Mateur facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mateur
ماطر
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 Mateur
Location in Tunisia
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| Country |  Tunisia |
| Governorate | Bizerte Governorate |
| Population
(2015)
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| • Total | 32,546 |
| Time zone | UTC1 (CET) |
| Postal code |
7030
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Mateur (Tunisian Arabic: ماطر) is a town in northern Tunisia. It is located near Ichkeul Lake National Park. The town is found in the Bizerte region. In 2015, about 32,546 people lived in Mateur.
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Discovering Mateur
Mateur is an important town in the Bizerte region of Tunisia. It is the main town of a larger area that had over 61,000 residents in 2006. The town itself was home to nearly 50,000 people in 2006.
What's in a Name?
The name "Mateur" has an interesting history. Some people believe it comes from the Latin word Matarensis. This was the name of an ancient town that might have been located where Mateur is today. Over time, the town was known by many names like Materense, Matarus, and Matar.
Others think the name comes from an Arabic word, Matra. This word means "precipitation" or "rainfall." This makes sense because the area around Mateur gets a good amount of rain.
Mateur's History
Mateur has a long history. Its first town council was set up on October 12, 1898. This means the town has had its own local government for a very long time. In fact, the town celebrated its 110th birthday in 2008! Mateur was also a very important place during the Second World War. Its location made it a key strategic point.
Farming and Industry
Mateur is in the middle of a very fertile farming area. The land around the town is great for growing crops. This is why a big market is held there every Friday and Saturday. Farmers from nearby towns like Jefna and Sedjenane come to sell their goods. They sell things like livestock and grain. Buyers come from all over Tunisia to visit this market.
Mateur also has two industrial zones. These zones are home to about twenty foreign companies. These companies work in different fields. Some examples include wiring, mechanics, telecommunications, and making clothes.
Ichkeul National Park
Close to Mateur is the Ichkeul National Park. This park is very special because it protects many different animals and plants. Important organizations like UNESCO and the WWF help protect it.
The park is home to Ichkeul Lake, which is the largest natural lake in North Africa. This lake and its surroundings are vital for many species.
Learning in Mateur
Mateur is also a place for learning. The city has two important colleges:
- The Graduate School of Agriculture, where students learn about farming.
- The Higher Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (ISSAT Mateur), which focuses on science and technology.
