The Tunisian Handball League or the National A is the top Tunisian professional handball. The league started in 1956, just after Tunisia had gained its independence. 12 teams participate in the league, which is the strongest in Africa. The Espérance Sportive de Tunis H.C is the most successful team, and the first team in the world to win a total of 35 titles in its national league, 15 of them consecutively. Club Africain H.C have won 13 titles. Both clubs focus on international competitions rather than the domestic league, however, since they make up the bulk of the national team.