There are about 1593800 inhabitants in the south, 70,8% of whom live in municipal areas. The number of active population employed is about 359200 inhabitants in 2011, distributed by sector of activity as follows:
- Agriculture and fishing :14%. - Manufacturing industries:8,3%. - Mines and energy: 2,1%.
- Construction and public works:21,1%
- Services : 53,8% - Undeclared : 0,5%
Education, formation, and the habilitation of the human resources have strategic standing in the policy of the State. Such a policy aims at preparing these resources not only to respond to the needs of the production sectors and maximize their output and productivity, but also to maximize their efficiency and allow them to assimilate and master modern technology. The educational system concerns about 23% of the total population.
In the Region of the South we can find:
848 primary schools, with 156557 pupils. 306 preparatory and secondary schools, with more than 147050 pupils. 31 institutes and faculties, with more than 39555 students. Centers of professional formation, with different specializations, in every governorate with a capacity approximating 19184. Sectorial centres of formation ( in energy, electronics, prospection and building handicrafts). Five nurseries of enterprises within the Institutes of Technological Studies of Gabes, Gafsa, Medenine, Jerba and Kebili. A center of remote work in Gafsa The Research Institute of Arid lands
