Sousse (Tunisia)

Sousse is a port and the capital city of Tunisia's Sousse Governorate/Province. Sousse is approx 140 km (87 mi) south of Tunis City (the country's capital). By population (around 270,000, metro around 680,000), Sousse City is Tunisia's 3rd-largest - after Tunis and Sfax.

Port Sousse (locode TNSUS) is on the Hammamet Gulf (on the Mediterranean Sea, in North Africa's Maghreb region) and in close proximity to downtown. The Port was improved by the French after they established the Protectorat Francais de Tunisie (French protectorate of Tunisia, aka French Tunisia/1881-1956) as part of Empire Colonial Francais (French Colonial Empire/1534-1980, comprising of France-governed overseas colonies and protectorates). By the end of the 19th century, Sousse Harbor was significantly expanded and here was stationed the 4th Tunisian Tirailleurs Regiment (infantry regiment of the French Army's division Army of Africa/1830-1962).

The city's current-day economy is heavily based on tourism (all-season seaside resorts, fine sand beaches, nightlife) and olive oil manufacturing (2500+ km2 / 965+ mi2 of olive groves). Sousse is served by the Monastir Habib Bourguiba Airport (in Monastir/Mistir), located approx 23 km (14 mi) to the southeast along the coastal road Boulevard de l'Environnement. Regularly scheduled international flights link to France (Nice, Paris, Nantes, Lyon, Marseille), Belgium (Brussels), Germany (Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Dusseldorf, Hannover), Lybia (Tripoli), Serbia (Belgrade). Seasonal and charter flights interlink Sousse with other European countries and major airports, including Russia (Nordwind Airlines), Ukraine (SkyUp), Sweden, Portugal, Czechia, Slovakia, Romania, Luxembourg (Luxair), UK (England).

Port El Kantaoui is just 13 km (8 mi) to the northwest of Sousse (also along the coast). Port El Kantaoui (1979-built tourist complex) features a large Marina Harbor for luxury yachts (340 slots/berths), beachfront hotels (extending from Sousse along the coast), casinos, nightclubs, great beaches, wellness and sports facilities, bars, restaurants. Port El Kantaoui is annually visited by 1,2+ million foreign tourists.

Hammamet (in the Nabeul Governorate/Province; one of Tunisia's primary tourist destinations) is approx 100 km (60 mi) to the north from Sousse, via the coastal road.