Quicknation    Tunisia Gabès

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Gabès (in Arabic: قابس) is one of the main Tunisian governorates. It is a sea oasis, situated in southeast Tunisia on the Gulf of Gabès, with a population of 116,323 (2004 census).

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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 b.

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 the French control with the help of the British (in the Line of Mareth). The operation results in a big damage in the city infrastructure.

1945: The rebuilding of Gabès starts.

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

Gabès is situated in southeast Tunisia on the coast of the Gulf, 376 km south of the capital, Tunis. It is bounded by:

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Gabès has a perfect Mediterranean weather (little hot in summer). Gabès offers five contrasting landscapes: the beach, the mountains, the desert, small forest, oasis. See a detailed map.

Gabès is one of the biggest industrial cities in Tunisia. Most industries are chemical oriented, this is why the city holds one of the best quality Chemical Studies in Africa provided by the University of Gabes. The main industries are:

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.

Gabès, the capital, is famous for its traditional Souqs in Jarah and it is known also for its nice beach. The best parts of the beach are in the south of the city (Road to Djerba). The best one is the i beach. The government is planning to build a tourist zone there in the coming years. The most famous tourist site in Gabès governate is Matmata. Matmata is one of the rare cities in the world that is still in its original state. It is famous for its mountains and natural places.