Tunisian literature

Tunisian literature exists primarily in Arabic and in French. Arabic literature in Tunisia dates to the 7th century, with the arrival of Arab civilization in the region. Arabic literature is more important than francophone literature—which followed the introduction of the French protectorate in 1881^[1]—both in volume and value.^[2] The national bibliography lists 1,249 non-academic books published in 2002 in Tunisia, of which 885 titles are in Arabic.^[3] Nearly a third of these books are intended for children.^[3]

In 2003, the state budget dedicated 3 million Tunisian dinars to the support of literature.^[3] There are approximately 100 private Tunisian publishing houses that publish virtually all books.^[3]