Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Tunisia, in North Africa, has a long history. The name "Tunisia" likely derives from the Berber word "Tunes," meaning "place where water springs." Originally referring to the city of Tunis, which became the capital, the name gained wider official use during the 19th century. Tunisia became a French protectorate in 1881, and during this colonial era the country was officially referred to as "Tunisia" in documents and international discourse. After independence from France in 1956, "Tunisie" (French) and "Tunisia" (English) became the official names recognized globally.