Guide to Local Religious Practices for Expats in Tunisia

Published on November 10, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Diving into Tunisian culture means discovering a rich tapestry of religious traditions that shape daily life. For expatriates, understanding these practices is essential not only to appreciate the country’s cultural diversity but also to establish harmonious relationships with locals.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the main religious practices observed in Tunisia, explaining their importance and influence on society. From Ramadan celebrations to wedding customs, each aspect offers a unique opportunity to grasp the depth and beauty of the faith that colors Tunisians’ daily lives.

By immersing yourself in these traditions, you’ll discover how they contribute to maintaining a strong sense of community and unity among the population.

Introduction to Religious Practices in Tunisia

Islam is the dominant religion in Tunisia, representing the cultural and social identity of the vast majority of the population. The Tunisian constitution, though evolving recently, continues to place Islam at the heart of national identity while guaranteeing freedom of belief and conscience.

Role of the Mosque in Daily Life

• Mosques are central places for prayer, religious education, social life, and community cohesion.
• They structure daily life through the call to prayer (adhan) five times a day, gathering the faithful and marking important moments of the day.
• They also play an educational and social role, particularly during religious holidays or community events.

Main Muslim Religious Holidays

Holiday	Significance	Impact on Tunisian Society
Ramadan	Month of fasting, prayer, sharing, and solidarity	Change in lifestyle rhythm, increased solidarity, numerous family and community gatherings
Eid al-Fitr	Celebration marking the end of Ramadan, festival of forgiveness	Family reunions, donations to the needy, festive atmosphere throughout the country
Eid al-Adha	Commemoration of Abraham’s sacrifice	Ritual sacrifice, meat sharing, support for the poor

During Ramadan, Tunisians change their habits: work and business hours shift, nightlife intensifies after breaking the fast (iftar), and solidarity becomes particularly visible through donations and shared meals.

Religious Practices of Minorities

• Tunisia’s Jewish community, primarily present in Djerba, perpetuates ancient traditions such as the Ghriba pilgrimage, symbolizing coexistence and mutual respect with the Muslim majority.
• Christians (mainly Catholic and Protestant) have churches in Tunis and some major cities where they practice their faith freely.
• Despite being a predominantly Muslim society, Tunisia is recognized for its tradition of tolerance, though occasional tensions may arise.

Regional Specificities and Historical Heritage

• In Djerba, the presence of an Ibadi Muslim minority results in distinct rites and mosques, a legacy of a long history of plural Islamization.
• Sufism still influences certain popular religious practices, particularly during pilgrimages to local saints’ tombs (marabouts), especially in the northwest and south of the country.
• Ancient history, marked by Punic religion and later the arrival of Islam, has shaped a rich and diverse religious landscape.

Tips for Expatriates

• Respect prayer times and fasting periods, especially during Ramadan, by avoiding eating or drinking in public during the day.
• Dress respectfully, particularly when visiting places of worship.
• Participating in or observing religious holidays helps better understand local culture and build relationships with the population.

Key Takeaways

Islam structures social, cultural, and political life in Tunisia, but coexistence with religious minorities and regional diversity demonstrates a tradition of openness and adaptation to historical developments.

Impact of Religious Practices on Expatriates’ Daily Life

Tunisia is a predominantly Muslim country where Islam is the predominant religion, deeply influencing public and private life. However, there are also Christian communities (approximately 30,700 faithful, mainly expatriates and descendants of Europeans) and a small Jewish community, primarily in Djerba. Christian churches mainly welcome foreigners, with minority religious practices generally tolerated for expatriates but much more discreet for converted Tunisians.

Impact of Prayer Times and Holy Days:

• The five daily prayers structure the day, marking breaks in professional and social activities.
• Friday (the day of the main weekly prayer) affects work schedules: administrations close earlier, and activity slows noticeably around midday.
• Muslim religious holidays, such as Eid, result in public holidays, changing the operation of businesses and institutions.

Important Cultural and Religious Practices:

Ramadan: During this month, Tunisians fast from sunrise to sunset. Restaurants are generally closed during the day (except for hotels and some establishments for expatriates). This strongly influences expatriates’ eating and social rhythms, who often need to adapt their meal habits, avoid eating or drinking in public, and participate in iftar invitations (breaking the fast).

Social gatherings shift to the evening, and professional activity may be reduced or adjusted.

Expatriate Adaptation:

• Expatriates are recommended to respect the local dress code, especially in public and religious places: covering clothing, modesty for both women and men.
• Social etiquette requires avoiding eating, drinking, or smoking in public during Ramadan and being discreet about one’s own religious practice.
• Expatriates may attend local religious celebrations but must remain respectful and discreet about their own beliefs.

Challenges Faced and Adaptation Methods:

• Expatriates of Christian faith can practice their religion without difficulty in recognized churches but must avoid any form of proselytism, which is strictly prohibited.
• Non-Muslim or secular individuals may feel isolated during major Muslim holidays or when facing temporary closure of services and businesses.
• For expatriates converted to Christianity or practicing minority religions, discretion is often necessary to avoid negative reactions from the local community.
• Christian migrants, particularly from sub-Saharan Africa, sometimes need to rent spaces to celebrate their worship safely.

Expatriate Testimonials and Observations:

Several expatriates report that religious tolerance is real as long as there is no public expression or proselytism.

“During Ramadan, I’m careful not to eat in front of my Tunisian colleagues, and I’ve discovered the conviviality of iftar evenings.”

“We’re free to go to church on Sundays, but we avoid talking about it openly in the professional environment.”

Practical Tips and Resources:

Tip	Explanation
Observe local customs	Adjust schedules and eating habits during Ramadan and holy days
Consult expatriate communities	Join groups or associations to share experiences and practical advice
Respect discretion about personal faith	Avoid any form of proselytism and public religious debate
Use institutional resources	Contact embassies, cultural centers, or recognized churches for information
Dress appropriately	Choose modest attire, especially when visiting places of worship or traditional neighborhoods

To preserve one’s identity while integrating, it’s essential to combine respect for local religious practices, openness to discovery, and maintaining one’s own cultural references.

Main Religious Holidays and Appropriate Behavior Codes in Tunisia

Main Religious Holidays Celebrated in Tunisia:

Holiday	Period	Typical Traditions and Activities
Ramadan	9th Hijri month	Fasting from sunrise to sunset, additional prayers (tarawih), Quran reading, breaking the fast (iftar), meal sharing, increased solidarity with the needy.
Eid al-Fitr	End of Ramadan	Collective morning prayers, charity donations (zakat al-fitr), festive meals, family visits, wearing new clothes, distributing sweets and money to children.
Eid al-Adha	2 months after Eid al-Fitr	Ritual sheep sacrifice, meat sharing with relatives and needy, large meals, family reunions, well-dressed children, transmission of solidarity values.
Mawlid	Prophet’s Birthday	Prayers, religious songs, poem recitation, house decorations, sweet distribution (makroud, chrik), special dessert (assida zgougou), family and festive gatherings.

Impact on Tunisians’ Daily Life:

Food Customs: During Ramadan, the day is marked by abstinence from food and drink until sunset. At iftar, traditional dishes like soup (chorba), bricks, and various pastries (makroud, ghraiba) are consumed. During Eid, lamb meat, couscous, and Tunisian salads are highlighted.

Prayer Rites: Increased mosque attendance, supererogatory prayers, prayer vigils (particularly during Laylat al-Qadr). On holidays, collective prayers are central.

Family Gatherings: Holidays are key moments for intergenerational reunions, visits to relatives and elders, gift exchanges, and solidarity with the needy.

Expected Behavior from Expatriates:

Respect for Local Traditions:

• During Ramadan, it’s expected not to eat, drink, or smoke in public during the day, even for non-Muslims.
• Avoid public displays of affection and loud music in public places during this month.

Appropriate Dress Codes:

• Choose modest and respectful attire, especially when visiting traditional neighborhoods, mosques, or during religious holidays.

Public Attitude During Ramadan:

• Show discretion and understanding toward those who are fasting.
• Be patient, as work schedules and general activity may be reduced or shifted.
• Accept iftar invitations as a mark of respect and integration.

Tips for Expatriates:

• Participate respectfully in holiday meals or iftars if invited.
• Offer holiday wishes (“Eid Mubarak,” “Ramadan Mubarak”) to Tunisian colleagues or neighbors.
• Ask locals about specific customs for each holiday.
• Avoid any attitude or remarks disparaging religious or festive practices.
• If giving gifts on these occasions, prefer local pastries or alcohol-free products.

Importance of Religious Tolerance and Cultural Diversity in Tunisia:

Tunisia is historically marked by the coexistence of different faiths and traditions. Religious tolerance and respect for cultural differences are fundamental values, and expatriates are encouraged to adopt an attitude of openness and respectful curiosity.

Respecting the diversity of religious practices and traditions demonstrates integration and mutual enrichment in Tunisian society.

Religious Freedom and Resources for Expatriates

Tunisia has a constitutional and legal framework governing religious freedom, though it has undergone significant evolution in recent decades. The 2022 Constitution guarantees freedom of belief, conscience, and worship while recognizing Islam as a major reference for the Tunisian state. Article 5 of the Constitution states that “Tunisia is part of the Islamic nation and it is the state’s responsibility alone, within a democratic system, to guarantee the objectives of Islam regarding the preservation of life, honor, property, religion, and freedom.” This wording marks a change from previous constitutions, as unlike the 1959 and 2014 texts that explicitly stated “Islam is the religion of the state,” the new constitution reintroduces a logic of religious orientation without formally declaring a state religion.

The Constitution also guarantees freedom of belief and conscience, inscribed in Article 27, providing a legal basis for protecting everyone’s religious convictions. There is no legal prohibition of proselytism, and apostasy cannot be legally sanctioned. However, despite these constitutional guarantees, pre-revolution legislation continues to be used to penalize certain religious changes, particularly conversions to Christianity or identification as atheist.

Islam as the Dominant Religion

Islam exerts a profound influence on Tunisian daily life and the country’s legal framework. The majority of the Tunisian population is Muslim, and this reality is reflected in public institutions, holidays, and social norms. The government generally respects the right to free exercise of religions as long as they don’t disturb public order. However, the new 2022 Constitution strengthened Islam’s place by explicitly charging the state with protecting and promoting Islamic objectives, which has raised concerns among human rights organizations. Amnesty International worries about a text “that allows authorities a more restrictive interpretation of citizens’ rights, based on what Islam advocates.”

This ambiguous wording leaves some latitude to authorities in its interpretation and application, which may affect how minority religious rights are protected in practice. Although Tunisia is technically a civil state rather than a religious state, the new constitution altered this balance by reintroducing a logic of state religious orientation.

Religious Minorities in Tunisia

Christian and Jewish communities constitute the only officially recognized religious minorities in Tunisia. These groups enjoy certain legal protection and the possibility to practice their worship, though in a context where Islam remains the dominant religion.

The Christian community in Tunisia mainly comprises expatriates and local converts. A 1964 Modus Vivendi provides for the protection of free exercise of Catholic worship in Tunisia by the ruling power. However, Christian churches, particularly expatriate churches and house churches, remain in a precarious situation. Tunisian Christians are divided regarding the impact of the new constitution on their rights and freedoms, waiting to see how it will be interpreted in practice.

The Tunisian Jewish community, though numerically reduced, also benefits from official recognition and can practice its religion freely within the framework established by law.

Other religious groups, such as Bahá’ís, are not officially recognized and face major restrictions regarding their ability to pray freely and organize. Bahá’ís have encountered considerable legal obstacles in their quest for recognition as an official religious association, illustrating the challenges faced by unrecognized religious minorities.

Situation of Atheists and Non-Religious People

The situation of atheists and non-religious people in Tunisia remains particularly precarious legally. Although the 2022 Constitution enshrines freedom of conscience in Article 27, there are no official measures to specifically protect atheists and religious minorities, nor to preserve their right to assemble, create associations, and express themselves freely. Atheists find themselves in a legal gray area where they don’t benefit from adequate protection of their freedom of thought and religion.

According to a survey conducted by Arab Barometer for the BBC, the percentage of people identifying as “non-religious” in Tunisia has increased significantly, from about 15% to over one-third of the overall population, with even higher rates among those under 30. Despite this evolution in public opinion, atheists continue to face legal and social challenges due to the lack of legal recognition of their status, and some prefer to remain silent for fear of prosecution and stigmatization.

Places of Worship and Resources for Expatriates

For expatriates and people wishing to practice their religion in Tunisia, several resources are available:

• Churches and Christian Communities: Expatriate churches operate in major cities, particularly Tunis, offering religious services and community spaces. These churches typically welcome expatriates of various nationalities and Christian denominations.
• International Religious Communities: Some expatriate residential neighborhoods, particularly in Tunis and coastal areas, have community centers where support and religious assistance groups meet.
• Synagogues: The Jewish community has synagogues, particularly in Tunis, where Jewish expatriates can participate in religious services and community events.
• Mosques: For Muslim expatriates, mosques are omnipresent in Tunisia and welcome visitors. Main mosques in large cities offer services in multiple languages and information about local Islamic practices.
• Online Resources and Expatriate Networks: Many expatriate groups maintain information and support networks regarding religious practices, places of worship, and community events.

Practical Tips for Respecting Local Customs

To practice one’s faith respectfully and harmoniously in Tunisia, several principles should be followed:

• Respect for Muslim Context: Although religious freedom is guaranteed, it’s important to recognize that Islam is the dominant religion. Expatriates should respect prayer times, particularly Ramadan, and avoid behaviors considered offensive to the Muslim majority, such as eating or drinking in public during Ramadan fasting hours.
• Discretion in Religious Practice: Religious minorities are encouraged to practice their worship discreetly, particularly regarding active proselytism. Although proselytism isn’t legally prohibited, it may cause social tensions and attract authorities’ attention.
• Respect for Religious Places and Symbols: Visitors and expatriates should respect mosques, churches, synagogues, and other places of worship. When visiting mosques, it’s important to follow appropriate protocols, including removing shoes, covering properly, and respecting prayer areas.
• Appropriate Public Behavior: Public affectionate displays between unmarried people are discouraged, as are clothing considered provocative, particularly outside tourist areas. This recommendation applies to everyone, regardless of religion.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Expatriates should demonstrate cultural sensitivity by recognizing that certain religious practices may be misunderstood or perceived as offensive. Respectful dialogue and mutual education promote harmonious coexistence.
• Registration and Transparency: Religious groups, particularly house churches or small communities, should strive to maintain some transparency with local authorities and operate in accordance with the law, which helps reduce misunderstandings and tensions.
• Community Engagement: Participating in community initiatives and intercultural exchanges promotes better mutual understanding and strengthens relationships between different religious communities and with the local population.