Well-developed family planning facilities have almost halved Tunisia's birth rate over the past 30 years. The population growth rate has dropped from 3.2% to 1.9% û the lowest in the region. The mortality rate has been more than halved, to around 48,000 a year, reflecting the extension of free medical services to over 70% of the population. Services lack sophistication, but an umbrella of primary care facilities covers all but the most isolated rural communities.
