Sfax

Sfax, the second port in the regency of Tunis, is situated on the Gulf of Cabes, 150 miles S. by E. of the town of Tunis, and is surrounded by gardens and suburban villas. The Mohammedans, the Europeans, and the Jews each live in separate quarters; the French camp forms a fourth division. There is an active trade in dates, olive-oil, esparto grass, wool, fruits, sponges, &c., the port being entered by 1100 to 1600 vessels of 224,000 to 237,000 tons annually. Large quantities of fruit are grown, and cottons, woollens, and silks are manufactured. Pop. 30,000. The town was bombarded by the French in 1881, the opposition here being fierce and fanatical.