Gabès

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Gabès (Arabic: قابس) is the capital city of the Gabès Governorate, a province of Tunisia. It has 116,323 inhabitants.

1 History
2 Education
3 Economy
4 Tourism
5 See also
6 External links

[edit] History

Gabès was an integral city in the territory of Carthage. Following the Second Punic War in the 2nd century BC Gabès came under Roman control with a new name Tacape.

7th century: A new era in the history of Gabès begins with the Muslim conquest (Al'Fatah Al'Islami). Mohammed's companion Sidi Abou Loobaba Al'Ansarey settles in Gabès and makes great achievements.

1881: Gabès enters the French protectorate (regarded by many as an occupation).

1940: Gabès comes under German control.

1943: Gabès returns to French control with the help of the British (in the Line of Mareth). The operation results in serious damage to the city infrastructure.

1945: The rebuilding of Gabès starts.

1956: Gabès returns to Tunisian control with the liberation of Tunisia from the French occupation.

[edit] Education

University of Gabès

[edit] Economy

Gabès is one of the biggest industrial cities in Tunisia. Most industries are chemical oriented, this is why the city offers one of the best chemistry degrees in Africa from by the University of Gabès. The main industries are:

Cement
Chemical products
Brick Factories
Oil refinery

The fast growing numbers of factories has resulted in fairly serious pollution of the area and the famous beach of Gabès. In recent years the government is working on new programs and laws to decrease the amount of pollution in the town.

[edit] Tourism

Gabès is famous for its traditional Souqs in Jarah; it is known also for its attractive beach and the unusual seaside oasis (Gabes is located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea). The best parts of the beach are in the south of the city (Road to Djerba). The best one is the Lemawa or Lemaya beach. The government is planning to build a tourist zone there in the coming years.