Because tobacco-related diseases are a growing health problem, we assessed tobacco smoking in Tunisia since 1970 using different sources. The average consumption of tobacco calculated over the period of 10 years (1981-90) was 1493 g per person and per year; equivalent of 75 packets of cigarettes. Cigarettes are the most popular form of tobacco smoking. Cigarette smoking increased from 1981 to 1993 but since has decreased slightly. According to a national study of respiratory diseases conducted in 1996, the current prevalence of tobacco smoking is 30.4% for both sexes: around 52% for males and 6% for females. Average consumption is 17.7 cigarettes/day, irrespective of sex. For young people, the prevalence is 29.21%: 50% for males and 3.9% for females. Young people who attend school smoke less than those who do not (18.1% versus 38.4%). Most started smoking between 14 years and 18 years.