Gafsa

Gafsa
Gafsa Location in Tunisia
Coordinates: 34°25′N 8°47′E / 34.417°N 8.783°E / 34.417; 8.783
Country	Tunisia
Governorate	Gafsa Governorate
Time zone	CET (UTC1)

Gafsa (or Qafsah; Arabic: قفصة‎) is the capital of Gafsa Governorate of Tunisia. Its name is related to the Mesolithic Capsian culture.

The city has 90,000 inhabitants (2005 estimate). The governorate has 340,000 inhabitants (2005 estimate) and an area of 8,990 km². Contemporary Gafsa is a modern town, and the centre of the Djerid area's important phosphate industry. Of note are the Roman baths, still used today. The city lies 369 km by road southwest of Tunis. Its geographical coordinates are 34°25′N 8°47′E / 34.417°N 8.783°E / 34.417; 8.783.

History

In Roman times, Gafsa was known as Capsa. It has given name to the Mesolithic Capsian industry.

In January 27 1980 about 300 soldires, coming from Libya, occupied the town as an act against the government of Habib Bourguiba and because of alleged dissatisfaction in the region. 48 people were killed in battles.

Partner cities:

• Naples Italy

El Kawafel Sportives de Gafsa (Arabic: القوافل الرياضية بقفصة‎, often referred to as EGSG) is the main football club of Gafsa.

External links

• Gafsa - The Historical Oasis

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