Today 7% of Tunisians are estimated to live in absolute poverty. In 1970 it was 30%. The poorest tend to live in the urban shantytowns, or "bidonvilles." The Western-oriented elite has links to government or business. Social security covers sickness, old age and maternity, but not unemployment, currently at 15%. The government is concerned that unemployment is encouraging the spread of Islamic fundamentalism. Economic growth is its medium-term solution to the problem. Special projects are being set up in the most deprived urban areas to offset the worst effects of poverty.
