Tunisia Experiences a Rise in Aging Population, but Not Yet at Advanced Demographic Stage

Tunisia is currently witnessing a surge in its aging population, but it has not yet reached the advanced stage of demographic aging, according to Hassan Kassar, a demography and social sciences professor at the 9 April Faculty.

Speaking on the national radio on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, Kassar explained that Tunisia is expected to reach this stage within the next 15 years, with a proportion of elderly people comparable to that observed in Europe.

The specialist emphasized the need for the state to take into account this evolution and prepare for a new demographic reality.

Women's Contribution to Demographic Shifts

Kassar highlighted the significant contribution of Tunisian women in transforming the traditional demographic model of the country. He noted that Tunisia is now facing a new model characterized by a decline in births to a level insufficient to ensure the renewal of generations, a notable decline in marriage rates, and an increase in divorce rates.

Labor Market Challenges

Regarding the labor market, Kassar believes that there is not a genuine unemployment problem in Tunisia, but rather a problem related to the restructuring of the employment market.

He pointed out that 55% of active workers operate in the informal sector, without contributing to social security funds, which he considers a worrying situation requiring special attention. He called for the integration of these workers into the formal sector.

African Sub-Saharan Presence in Tunisia

Kassar stated that the presence of African Sub-Saharan people in Tunisia will not alter the country's demographic structure, at least not within the next 200 years and in limited proportions. However, he emphasized that Tunisia will need this workforce in various sectors, including construction, hospitality, domestic services, and agriculture, considering it an essential workforce for the future.