TunisiaIsrael
Tunisia has a population of 12.0M, compared to Israel's 10.1M. Tunisia is 1.2 times more populous than Israel. Economically, Israel ($540.4B) has a GDP 10.5 times larger than Tunisia's ($51.3B). Tunisia covers 163,610 km², 7.5 times larger than Israel's 21,937 km². Life expectancy in Israel stands at 83.2 years, 6.7 years higher than Tunisia's 76.5 years.
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Metric
TunisiaIsrael| Population | 12.0M | 10.1M |
| Area | 163,610 km² | 21,937 km² |
| GDP | $51.3B | $540.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | $4,181.138 | $54,176.684 |
| Life Expectancy | 76.5 yrs | 83.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 10.6 | 2.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 15.1% | 3.5% |
| Capital | Tunis | Jerusalem |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic | Arabic, Hebrew |
| Currencies | TND (د.ت) | ILS (₪) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Tunisia is 1.2 times more populous than Israel, with 12.0M residents compared to 10.1M. Tunisia is a nation of 12.0M people, while Israel is a nation of 10.1M people. In terms of population density, Tunisia averages 73 people per km² (moderate), while Israel averages 462 people per km² (dense). While Tunisia has grown at 0.91% annually over the past decade, Israel has grown at 2.03% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Tunisia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Israel is classified as a high-income economy. The Israel economy ($540.4B) is 10.5 times larger than Tunisia's ($51.3B). Tunisia's GDP per capita of $4,181.138 is 90% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Israel's GDP per capita of $54,176.684 is 384% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Israel are on average 13.0 times wealthier than those in Tunisia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Tunisia is 76.5 years, compared to 83.2 years in Israel, a gap of 6.7 years. Israel (83.2 years) is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Tunisia (76.5 years) is 4.5 years above the global average of 72 years. At 10.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Tunisia's infant mortality is 293% higher than Israel's 2.7.
Geographic Comparison
Tunisia (163,610 km²) is 7.5 times larger by land area than Israel (21,937 km²). Tunisia shares borders with 2 countries, while Israel borders 5 countries. Tunisia spans 1 timezone, compared to Israel's 1 timezone. Tunisia lies in Africa, while Israel is located in Asia. Tunisia is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas Israel belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Tunisia and Israel is in GDP per capita: Tunisia's $4,181.138 compared to Israel's $54,176.684 represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Tunisia and Israel is in GDP: Tunisia's $51.3B compared to Israel's $540.4B represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Tunisia and Israel is in land area: Tunisia's 163,610 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km² represents a 87% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Tunisia's lower-middle-income economy and Israel's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Israel has a GDP per capita of $54,176.684, which is 13.0x that of Tunisia ($4,181.138). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Israel is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Israel is 6.3x more densely populated than Tunisia (462 vs 73 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Tunisia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Israel live an average of 6.7 years longer than those of Tunisia (83.2 vs 76.5 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Tunisia's economy grew at 1.6% compared to Israel's 0.9%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges.
Travel Comparison
Tunisia vs Israel for Families
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 10.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Tunisia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Israel's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Tunisia vs Israel for Budget Travelers
Tunisia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,181.138 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Tunisia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Israel. However, Israel may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Tunisia vs Israel for Retirees
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Tunisia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Tunisia vs Israel Cost of Living
Israel's GDP per capita is 13.0x that of Tunisia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while Tunisia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Tunisia can approach or exceed average costs in Israel's smaller cities.
Tunisia vs Israel for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Tunisia and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Tunisia spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Tunisia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Tunisia or Israel by population?
Tunisia is larger by population, with 12.0M residents compared to Israel's 10.1M. Tunisia is 1.2 times more populous than Israel.
Which country has a higher GDP, Tunisia or Israel?
Israel has the higher GDP at $540.4B, compared to Tunisia's $51.3B. Israel's economy is 10.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Tunisia and Israel?
Israel has a higher life expectancy at 83.2 years, compared to Tunisia's 76.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.7 years. Tunisia's life expectancy is 4.5 years above the global average of 72 years, while Israel's is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Tunisia or Israel?
Tunisia is larger by land area, covering 163,610 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km². Tunisia is 7.5 times larger than Israel.
What languages are spoken in Tunisia and Israel?
Tunisia recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Israel recognizes: Arabic, Hebrew. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Tunisia or Israel?
Israel has lower inflation at 3.1%, compared to Tunisia's 7.2%. Israel's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Tunisia's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 2.1 times the global median.
Is Tunisia or Israel better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 10.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Tunisia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Tunisia or Israel cheaper to visit?
Tunisia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,181.138 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Tunisia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Israel. However, Israel may offer better value i...
Is Tunisia or Israel better for retirement?
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Tunisia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Tunisia or Israel more expensive to live in?
Israel's GDP per capita is 13.0x that of Tunisia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while Tunisia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly ...
Is Tunisia or Israel better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Tunisia and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Tunisia spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Tunisia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income...
Population Growth
Tunisia, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Israel, 1994 to 2023