The Traditional Production of Olive Oil in Tunisia

Tunisia is one of the largest producers of olive oil in the world, with a long tradition of olive oil production dating back to the Roman Empire. Olive oil production is a vital economic activity for Tunisia, employing approximately one million people and contributing 10% to the country's GDP. Tunisia primarily produces two types of olive oil: extra-virgin olive oil and virgin olive oil. Extra-virgin olive oil is the purest and most expensive type of olive oil, while virgin olive oil is cheaper and less pure than extra-virgin. Tunisia has vast areas of olive cultivation, with around 80 million trees planted throughout the country. Most olive groves are located in central and southern Tunisia, with regions such as Sfax, Sidi Bouzid, Kairouan, Tozeur, and Gabes being particularly known for their production of top-quality olive oil.