ABSTRACT
Social and regional disparities, however, remain crucial. In the early 1960s, the first stage of Tunisia’s approach to reduce regional disparities was based, first, on the then conventional growth pole theory. The analysis of regional policies during the post-colonial period, did not focus only on how government policies have attempted to reduce the disparities, on how much money was invested and where, but also and especially on the political and institutional mechanisms of the conception and implementation of the policies. The persistence and even the aggravation of regional disparities as are seen among the most important problems facing the country and are considered as a serious threat to its stability and unity. Statistical information, such as the World Bank development reports or country studies, has also been used to supplement official statistics and administrative documents. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
