[1] Located in the Sahel hinterland of the Byzacena coastline, close to the towns of Aquae and Nefta and south of Capsa and Ad Turres,[2] Roman Tursuros became an important center of Donatism.

Summers are extremely hot, with daily highs often exceeding 45 °C (113 °F) in the shade, and the sirocco may push temperatures close to 50 °C (122 °F).

In ancient times, before the advent of motorized vehicles, the oasis was important for the transportation through the Sahara, which took place in caravans.

Tozeur, in common with the surrounding Jerid region, is noted for its yellow/brownish brickwork as well as its patterns in geometric designs which form the facades of most buildings in the old city and the new tourist zone.

The annual "International Festival of Oases" (Arabic: المهرجان الدولي للواحات بتوزر) takes place in the town in November and December each year.

The phosphate mines are no longer productive and thousands of workers were laid off after the government sold them to European investors.

Tourism activity is higher in the fall and winter months with Douz Festival among others in late December Tozeur was used as a filming location for the Star Wars saga and Raiders of the Lost Ark (specifically Sidi Bouhlel canyon outside the town and the salt-flats of nearby Nefta).

The English Patient (9 Oscars) with Ralph Fiennes and Kristin Scott Thomas was partially filmed outside Tozeur.