Bourguiba, Habib, << boor GEE buh, HAH beeb >> (1903-2000), served as president of Tunisia from 1957 to 1987. An important Arab leader, he led Tunisia’s struggle for independence from France. Bourguiba was elected president in 1957, after Tunisia gained independence. He was reelected in 1959, 1964, and 1969. In 1975, Bourguiba was named president for life. As president, he improved the courts and gave women the right to vote. He also opposed Communism and supported moderate socialism. In 1987, Bourguiba was removed from office by Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, the country’s prime minister. Bourguiba’s age and poor health had made him incapable of carrying out his duties as president. Bourguiba was born on Aug. 3, 1903, in Al Munastir, Tunisia. He died on April 6, 2000.
