The governorate of Sidi Bouzid is located in the centre-west of Tunisia, in the fourth district which also includes the governorates of Tozeur, Sfax and Gafsa. The region covers an area of 7405 m2 and has a population of 459,891. It has 14 delegations, 17 communes, 115 localities, 118 constituencies and 317 polling stations. Despite its rich natural resources, the development of the region remains weak. Agriculture is one of the main pillars of Sidi Bouzid's economy, contributing to the production of vegetables (18%), dairy products (11%), red meat (10%), olive oil (14%), almonds (13%) and pistachios (20%). This activity also ensures an employment rate of 46.2% of the working population in the region, compared with 17.6% nationally. The governorate of Sidi Bouzid is also known for its mineral resources (marble, gypsum, sand, phosphate) and the tourist and ecological sites of Menzel Bouzaiene, Regueb and Mezzouna, in addition to its cultural heritage, such as the national parks of Bouhedma, Mezzouna, Djebel Mghila, Jelma and Regueb. The rural population of Sidi Bouzid is 73% and is spread over several communes. This geographical dispersion hinders urban development. In addition to the lack of infrastructure, several communes in the region do not benefit from public services and investments that could reduce the unemployment rate, which is expected to reach 15.1% in 2020. Residents suffer from a lack of drinking water and health services. The project to build a university hospital in Sidi Bouzid is still blocked, in addition to the lack of equipment in hospitals, which also suffer from a lack of human and financial resources. The region has one regional hospital, 8 local hospitals, 11 maternity centres, 2 reproductive health centres, 19 laboratories and 532 beds, as well as primary health centres.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse