Location: Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Libya. Area: Total: 163,610 sq km Land: 155,360 sq km Water: 8,250 sq km Land boundaries: Total: 1,424 km. Border countries: Algeria 965 km, Libya 459 km. Coastline: 1,148 km. Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 NM. Territorial sea: 12 NM. Climate: Temperate in north with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers; desert in south. Terrain: Mountains in north; hot, dry central plain; semiarid south merges into the Sahara. Elevation extremes: Lowest point: Shatt al Gharsah -17 m. Highest point: Jebel ech Chambi 1,544 m. Natural resources: Petroleum, phosphates, iron ore, lead, zinc, salt. History of spas There are approximately 100 hot-spring sources throughout Tunisia, which are located mostly in the north of the country. For this reason the country has become renowned for its Thalassotherapy spas, and is considered to be the second best world destination for this type of therapy after France. Many of the springs have been used for therapeutic bathing since Roman and Punic times. The historic city of Carthage was founded by the Phoenicians in the 9th Century BC, and still boasts a number of magnificent Antonine spas. The conservation and promotion of the Tunisian spa tradition has led to the establishment of The National Office of Thermalism, which owns a number of the most popular public spas in the country, including Korbous, Ain Oktor, Hammam Bourguiba and Jebel Oust. Thalassotherapy is extremely popular in Tunisia. It is a treatment that uses hot seawater combined with massages, mud or seaweed wraps to promote general well-being, as well as offering cures for stress, arthritis, rheumatism and promoting exercise and slimming. Those attending a Thalassotherapy centre undergo a medical check-up with a doctor before being given a number of treatments to follow. Generally the treatment lasts between six and twelve days with four treatments per day. Between treatments one can take advantage of the swimming pool, hammam, sauna and fitness salons. There are also beauty treatments available. Treatments Some typical Thalassotherapy treatments are: Hydro bath: A sea water bath of bubbles and mini jets. Seaweed wrap: Application of a seaweed wrap over the whole body. Aqua gym: Exercise in a sea water pool under the supervision of an instructor. Massage: Relaxing and toning massages.