Tunisia is the smallest land in North Africa. Bordering the Mediterranean Sea, Tunisia offers a feast of fine beaches. There are plenty of attractions in this country, from ancient souks, medieval walled cities, underground dwellings, palm fringed desert oases and ancient historical cities, like Carthage, one of the greatest cities of the ancient world founded by the Phoenicians and legendary home of Hannibal. The area around Lac Ichkeul is one of only two UNESCO-protected Biosphere Reserves in the world. Capital, Tunis, reflects the country's diversity. Its cuisine blends the French colonial past with Arab spice. This Arab-Berber nation is one of the most liberal in the Islamic world; alcohol is freely available and women need not feel intimidated.