As of 2024, the top 1% in Tunisia earned 22.41% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 12.38%. Tunisia’s income inequality has remained relatively stable since 1980, when the top 1% share was 21.90%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Tunisia in 2024
In 2024, income in Tunisia was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 22.41% of total national income, which is notably higher than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 12.38% of income, slightly lower than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Tunisia | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 22.41% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 52.71% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 12.38% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Tunisia?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Tunisia’s top 1% has remained relatively stable over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 21.90% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 0.51 percentage points to 22.41%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Tunisia has narrowed over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 57.53% while the bottom 50% received 11.12%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 52.71% and 12.38% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 21.90% | 57.53% | 11.12% | 46.41 pp |
| 1986 | 21.90% | 57.53% | 11.12% | 46.41 pp |
| 1992 | 21.90% | 57.53% | 11.12% | 46.41 pp |
| 1998 | 21.90% | 57.53% | 11.12% | 46.41 pp |
| 2004 | 21.90% | 57.53% | 11.12% | 46.41 pp |
| 2010 | 18.44% | 54.12% | 12.12% | 42.00 pp |
| 2016 | 22.41% | 52.71% | 12.38% | 40.33 pp |
| 2022 | 22.41% | 52.71% | 12.38% | 40.33 pp |
How Tunisia Compares Globally
Tunisia vs Africa Average
Compared to other countries in Africa, Tunisia’s top 1% income share of 22.41% is notably higher than the regional average of 15.62%. The bottom 50% in Tunisia receives 12.38% of income, compared to the Africa average of 13.46%.
Where Tunisia Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Tunisia ranks 16th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Tunisia ranks 134th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Tunisia include Colombia's wealth gap, Mozambique's wealth gap, income distribution in Bolivia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Tunisia?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Tunisia earned 22.41% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered very high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Tunisia?
Income inequality in Tunisia has remained relatively stable since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 21.90% in 1980 to 22.41% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Tunisia?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Tunisia received 12.38% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 52.71%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.