A republic in northern Africa between ALGERIA and LIBYA. Its capital is Tunis, which occupies the site of ancient Carthage. Tunisia became a French protectorate in 1881 but was reorganized in 1922. France recognized its independence in 1956. The country takes its name from the capital, which some authorities derive from the name of the Phoenician goddess Tanith, the meaning of which is uncertain. (Webster's New Geographical Dictionary, 1988, p1235 & Room, Brewer's Dictionary of Names, 1992, p558).
