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Discover the #TrueTunisia

Though not much larger than the state of Georgia, Tunisia is a land of exciting contrasts. Bordered by Libya, Algeria and the Mediterranean, its landscapes range from desert salt flats to pristine beaches and fertile farmland. As a gateway between Africa and Europe, Tunisia has been home to many civilizations, which have woven a rich cultural tapestry over the years. One day you could be driving through verdant orchards in a Renault 4; the next, exploring ancient Roman sites in the Sahara by camel. In urban areas, modern shopping centers coexist with historic medinas and Hafsid minarets rise alongside Art Deco buildings. 

There are so many details, it's hard to keep up. Recently, however, locals and travelers have taken to Instagram to document their day-to-day adventures. With the help of the hashtag #TrueTunisia, these snapshots provide a glimpse into Tunisia's vibrant cultural life. Explore the images below to discover some of the many adventures Tunisia inspires.

*****

Patrons enjoy Tunisian cuisine in Tunis' Dar Bel Haj restaurant, a former palace.

A photo posted by Lula Tawaran (@lulatawaran) on May 26, 2016 at 5:55am PDT

Handpainted ceramic plates for sale.

La Medina #Túnez #truetunisia #Tunis

A photo posted by Luxedo (@revistaluxedo) on May 26, 2016 at 8:48am PDT

Brightly colored doors decorated with nails are a common fixture across Tunisia.

Puertas de colores en #Túnez. Con esta vitalidad siempre debe apetecer volver a casa! #truetunisia #Túnez #doors #colours @discover_tunisia

A photo posted by Pepa García (@pepaviajeros) on May 26, 2016 at 3:56pm PDT

Berber goods lay out for sale in the desert oasis of Tozeur, known for its brick architecture.

A photo posted by Rocío Agenjo Casas (@rocioagenjoc) on May 29, 2016 at 5:11am PDT

Whitewashed walls with blue accents are a hallmark of Sidi Bou Said.

A photo posted by Rocío Agenjo Casas (@rocioagenjoc) on May 30, 2016 at 4:18am PDT

A woman dressed as Princess Leia from the Star Wars films dances outside the Lars Homestead exterior set on the Chott el Jerid salt flat.

A photo posted by Serenidipy Hunter (@deborah_geysen) on Apr 19, 2016 at 1:20pm PDT

Boys latch goods to a horse in Tozeur.

A photo posted by Lula Tawaran (@lulatawaran) on Jun 15, 2016 at 11:25am PDT

Visitors admire ancient Roman mosaics in the Ulysses room at the National Bardo Museum.

A photo posted by Instagramers Tunisia (@igerstunisia) on May 26, 2016 at 11:40pm PDT

Berber rugs for sale in Tozeur.

A photo posted by Lula Tawaran (@lulatawaran) on Jul 2, 2016 at 4:33am PDT

Date sellers in Tozeur pause for a photo.

A photo posted by Instagramers Tunisia (@igerstunisia) on Jul 2, 2016 at 11:13am PDT

Camels rest outside the Ampitheatre of El Jem, an ancient Roman and UNESCO World Heritage site.

A photo posted by Romain Cousi (@romaincousi) on Apr 23, 2016 at 4:24am PDT

Fish for sale in coastal Sousse.

A photo posted by Selim Mokni (@smochen) on Jun 2, 2016 at 11:49am PDT

Paramotoring in the desert.

A photo posted by Tunisia (@discover_tunisia) on Apr 23, 2016 at 11:04am PDT

A woman carries bread through the narrow streets of Sousse.

Susa, Túnez #MVPtunez #truetunisia

A photo posted by Inés - Mis Viajes Por Ahí (@misviajesporahi) on Jul 26, 2016 at 5:27am PDT

Public art on the island of Djerba.

A photo posted by Hatice Schmidt (@haticeschmidt) on Apr 27, 2016 at 4:26am PDT

A moment of reflection in Nabeul.

A photo posted by Khaireddine Darmoul (@darmoul_khaireddine) on Aug 5, 2016 at 2:23pm PDT

Looking up in Sidi Bou Said.

A photo posted by Christophe Vramant (@christophevra) on Apr 21, 2016 at 3:06pm PDT

Boats rest in Ghar al Milth, once an important base for Barbary pirates.

A photo posted by Walid Kammoun (@nuommak) on May 23, 2016 at 2:19am PDT

An artisan decorates plates in the Tunis medina.

A photo posted by Rocío Agenjo Casas (@rocioagenjoc) on May 26, 2016 at 5:51am PDT

A food blogger tries traditional Tunisian couscous.

A photo posted by Myriam Darmoni (@goutdefood) on Nov 22, 2015 at 12:21am PST

Women harvest olives to make olive oil, one of the country's most important exports.

A photo posted by Myriam Darmoni (@goutdefood) on Nov 19, 2015 at 7:27am PST

Tea—in particular, mint tea with pine nuts—is a popular Tunisian beverage.

A photo posted by Ana Isabel Escriche (@planetadunia) on May 25, 2016 at 3:58pm PDT

A watering hole in Mides offers relief from the desert heat.

A photo posted by L'Officiel Hommes España (@lofficielhommes_es) on May 29, 2016 at 3:36am PDT

Boats float in the crystal shallows of La Marsa beach.

A photo posted by emiliedelorme (@emiliedelorme) on Oct 28, 2015 at 3:50am PDT

Explore more images of the #TrueTunisia.

The Editorial Staff of Smithsonian magazine had no role in this content's preparation.

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