LIBYA

Date of establishment: December 24, 1951

Brief history:

Antiquity: The territory of present-day Libya was inhabited by various ancient peoples, including the Berbers, who are considered the indigenous people of the region. The Phoenicians established trading posts along the coast, most notably at Leptis Magna and Sabratha. The Greeks founded colonies in the eastern part of Libya, particularly in Cyrenaica, with Cyrene being one of the most prominent cities. The area later became part of the Carthaginian Empire.

1st century BCE: Libya became part of the Roman Empire after the fall of Carthage in 146 BCE. The Romans organized Libya into the provinces of Tripolitania, Cyrenaica, and Fezzan. The region became an important part of the Roman Empire, with cities like Leptis Magna flourishing as major centers of trade and culture.

7th century CE: Following the Arab expansion across North Africa, Libya was conquered by Arab Muslim forces, leading to the Islamization and Arabization of the region. Libya became part of the Umayyad and later the Abbasid Caliphates.

16th century: Libya fell under the control of the Ottoman Empire in the mid-16th century, becoming part of the Ottoman province of Tripolitania. The Ottomans ruled indirectly through local leaders but maintained nominal control over the region.

1911-1943: Libya was colonized by Italy following the Italo-Turkish War in 1911–1912. The Italians faced strong resistance from the local population, especially from the Sanusi order in Cyrenaica. Italy imposed harsh colonial policies, leading to significant population displacement and loss of life. During World War II, Libya became a major battleground in the North African campaign, and the Italian colonial rule was effectively ended.

1951: After World War II, Libya was placed under British and French administration. On December 24, 1951, Libya became the first country to gain independence through a United Nations resolution, and the Kingdom of Libya was established with King Idris I as its ruler.

1969: King Idris I was overthrown in a military coup led by Muammar Gaddafi, who established the Libyan Arab Republic. Gaddafi introduced a regime based on his own political ideology, known as the Green Book, and ruled as a de facto dictator for over four decades.

1980–1988: Libya was involved in conflicts with the United States and other Western countries, primarily due to Gaddafi’s support for various militant groups and his pursuit of weapons of mass destruction. Tensions culminated in the 1986 U.S. bombing of Tripoli and Benghazi following the bombing of a Berlin nightclub, which the U.S. attributed to Libya.

2011: Inspired by the Arab Spring uprisings in neighboring countries, Libyans launched a revolt against Gaddafi’s regime. The uprising quickly escalated into a civil war, with NATO intervening militarily to support the anti-Gaddafi forces. Gaddafi’s regime was toppled, and he was killed in October 2011.

2011–present: Since the fall of Gaddafi, Libya has experienced severe political instability and conflict. Various factions, including militias, tribes, and Islamist groups, have vied for control of the country. The division between the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) and the Tobruk-based House of Representatives (HoR), along with the presence of other armed groups, has led to ongoing violence and civil war. Efforts by the United Nations and other international actors to broker peace have been met with limited success, and Libya remains deeply fragmented and unstable.

 

International abbreviation: LY

 

Currency: Libyan dinar LYD

The Libyan dinar (LYD) is the official currency of Libya and has been in use since 1971, replacing the Libyan pound. The dinar is divided into 1,000 subunits called dirhams. The name “dinar” has historical roots dating back to the Roman denarius and was adopted by many Arab countries after the spread of Islam.

Libyan dinar coins are issued in denominations of 50, 100, 250, and 500 dirhams. Banknotes are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 dinars. The Central Bank of Libya is responsible for issuing the currency and managing monetary policy in the country. The dinar is widely used in all transactions within Libya, although the country has faced significant economic challenges, including inflation and currency devaluation, particularly in recent years due to ongoing political instability.

 

Internet domain: .ly

 

Dialing code: +218

 

Time zone: GMT+2

 

Geography:

Libya is located in North Africa and shares borders with Egypt to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Chad to the south, Niger to the southwest, Algeria to the west, and Tunisia to the northwest. The country has a vast territory, with most of it being covered by the Sahara Desert, making it one of the most arid and sparsely populated countries in the world.

Libya boasts an extensive Mediterranean coastline along its northern border, which stretches for about 1,770 kilometers (1,100 miles). This coastline is home to several major cities, including Tripoli, the capital, and Benghazi, the second-largest city. The coastal region is the most densely populated part of the country and is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with milder temperatures and higher rainfall compared to the interior.

The interior of Libya is dominated by vast desert and semi-desert areas, with the Libyan Desert being the most prominent. This desert is a part of the larger Sahara and covers much of the eastern and central parts of the country. It is one of the driest and most inhospitable regions on Earth, with very little vegetation and extreme temperatures.

In the southern part of the country, particularly along the border with Chad, lie the Tibesti Mountains. However, it is important to note that these mountains are primarily located in Chad, with only a small part extending into Libya. The Tibesti Mountains are known for their rugged terrain, volcanic peaks, and ancient rock art.

Libya is also home to several oases, such as those in the Fezzan region in the southwest. These oases are crucial for agriculture and water supply in the otherwise harsh desert environment. They serve as vital hubs of life, supporting small populations and agricultural activities in an otherwise inhospitable landscape.

 

Highest peak: Bikku Bitti 2 267 m a.s.l. (7 438 feet above sea level)

The peak is located in the Tibesti Mountains on the border with Algeria. The area is characterized by its mountainous landscape and is an important geographical feature in North Africa.

 

Climate:

Most of Libya experiences a Saharan climate, characterized by extremely high temperatures during the summer months and significant temperature drops at night. Daytime temperatures in the desert can often exceed 40°C (104°F) during the summer, with some areas even reaching 50°C (122°F). At night, temperatures can drop sharply, sometimes falling to 20°C (68°F) or lower, especially in winter.

The coastal areas of Libya, including cities like Tripoli and Benghazi, have a Mediterranean climate. This climate is milder, with more moderate temperatures and higher humidity compared to the interior. In these coastal regions, average summer temperatures range from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F), while winter temperatures are generally between 10°C and 18°C (50°F to 64°F). Precipitation is more common in the coastal areas, especially during the winter months, but overall, Libya receives very little rainfall, with the coastal regions getting about 250-400 mm (10-16 inches) of rain annually.

Strong desert winds, known locally as the Ghibli (or “sirocco” in other parts of North Africa), can occasionally blow from the interior towards the coast. These winds are hot and dry, often carrying large amounts of sand and dust, and can cause sudden spikes in temperature, even along the coast.

In oases found within desert regions, conditions are slightly milder due to the presence of water, which can moderate the extreme heat. These oases support limited agriculture and settlements, providing a stark contrast to the surrounding arid landscape.

 

Fauna and flora:

Libya’s flora and fauna are primarily adapted to the harsh desert environment that dominates much of the country. In the desert regions, vegetation is sparse, with plants that are highly adapted to arid conditions. Common desert plants include acacias, tamarisks, and various species of succulents. In oases, where water is more abundant, you can find date palms, olive trees, and other crops such as figs and pomegranates.

The Tibesti Mountains, including the area around Bikku Bitti, support wildlife adapted to rocky, arid environments, such as Barbary sheep (Aoudad), which are suited to the mountainous terrain of North Africa.

In the desert, various species of rodents, such as gerbils and jerboas, are common. Reptiles like snakes (including the Sahara horned viper) and lizards, as well as a wide range of insects, are well-adapted to the extreme heat and aridity of the desert environment.

Along the Mediterranean coast, Libya has more diverse flora and fauna. The coastal waters are home to a variety of marine life, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Larger marine animals such as dolphins and occasionally sea turtles can also be found in the Mediterranean waters off the Libyan coast. The coastal region also supports more diverse bird species, some of which are migratory and use the area as a stopover during their migrations between Europe and Africa.

 

Agriculture:

Agriculture in Libya is heavily constrained by the country’s arid climate and limited water resources. The vast majority of Libya is desert, so agricultural activity is primarily concentrated in areas where water is available, such as oases and the more temperate coastal regions.

In oases, where groundwater or springs provide enough water for irrigation, a variety of crops are cultivated. These include date palms, which are one of the most important agricultural products, as well as olives, melons, barley, and wheat. The dates produced in Libya are particularly valued and are a significant part of the country’s agricultural output.

The coastal areas benefit from a Mediterranean climate, which is more conducive to agriculture. Here, farmers grow crops such as grapes, tomatoes, citrus fruits, figs, and vegetables. The coastal region also supports the cultivation of cereals like wheat and barley, though on a limited scale. Additionally, the coastal waters provide significant fishing opportunities, contributing to the local economy and food supply.

Pastoralism is practiced in the more arid interior regions of Libya, where sheep and goats are raised. These animals are well-suited to the desert environment and provide meat, milk, and wool for local consumption.

 

Extraction of natural resources:

Libya is indeed rich in natural resources, with oil and natural gas being the most significant. Libya has some of the largest proven oil reserves in Africa and is a major producer on the continent. The oil and gas sector is the backbone of Libya’s economy, accounting for a significant portion of the country’s GDP and the majority of its export revenues.

The main oil fields are located in the Sirte Basin, which includes important fields such as Sarir, Messla, and Amal. These fields are in the eastern part of the country and are connected to export terminals on the Mediterranean coast. Additionally, the Murzuq Basin in the southwest and the Ghadames Basin in the northwest are also key areas for oil production. Libya’s oil is known for being high-quality, light, and sweet, making it particularly valuable on the global market.

Natural gas production is another important component of Libya’s resource extraction industry, with significant reserves located both onshore and offshore. Libya exports natural gas to Europe, primarily through the Greenstream pipeline to Italy.

Libya also has reserves of iron ore, although their exploitation is limited compared to oil and gas. Iron ore deposits are found in areas such as Wadi ash-Shati in the southwest, but large-scale mining has not been fully developed.

Gypsum is quarried in Libya and is used in the domestic construction industry. Additionally, limestone is abundant and is also used in construction and for producing cement. Marble is another material quarried in Libya, with some regions producing high-quality marble used both locally and for export.

 

Industry:

Libya’s industry is heavily centered around the oil and natural gas sectors, which dominate the economy. Libya extracts significant amounts of crude oil and natural gas, most of which is exported to the global market. The country has several oil refineries, such as those in Zawiya, Ras Lanuf, and Tobruk, which process crude oil domestically into refined products like gasoline, diesel, and other petrochemicals for both local consumption and export.

The construction industry is indeed important, especially in the context of Libya’s need for infrastructural development and post-conflict reconstruction. The industry includes the building of roads, housing, public facilities, and other infrastructure projects, which are crucial for the country’s recovery and development. However, the industry faces challenges due to political instability, which can delay or halt construction projects.

The food industry in Libya includes the processing of fruits, vegetables, grains, and fish. However, Libya’s food industry is limited in scope, and the country relies heavily on food imports to meet domestic demand. The processing of olive oil is one of the more notable sectors within the food industry, given the country’s tradition of olive cultivation.

Libya has a small textiles and clothing industry, but it is not a major sector of the economy. The production of textiles, clothing, and footwear is primarily for the domestic market, and these industries are not highly developed compared to other sectors.

The chemical industry in Libya is relatively small. It produces a limited range of products, including fertilizers and basic chemicals. The production of plastics and pharmaceuticals exists but is not as developed as in other countries. The chemical industry, like many others in Libya, has been impacted by the ongoing political and economic challenges.

 

Services and other areas of the economy: services

 

Natural and historical attractions: Cities Tripoli and Benghazi, the Sahara, the Mediterranean coast, and the monuments of Cyrene, Sabrata and Leptis Magna

Libya is indeed rich in historical and archaeological sites, many of which date back to ancient civilizations such as Rome, Greece, and the Phoenicians. Some of the most notable sites include the ancient Roman cities of Leptis Magna and Sabratha, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These sites feature well-preserved ruins, including amphitheaters, temples, and public baths, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the Roman Empire.

The Mediterranean coast of Libya, particularly around cities like Tripoli and Benghazi, is known for its beautiful beaches and historical significance. The coast also offers opportunities for water sports and other recreational activities, although the tourism infrastructure is underdeveloped due to the country’s political situation.

The Sahara Desert, which dominates much of Libya’s territory, is a major attraction for those interested in the desert landscape. The Aubari Sand Sea, Ghadames, an ancient Berber city, and the Acacus Mountains with their prehistoric rock art are some of the highlights. Desert safaris, trips to oases, and exploring the sand dunes are popular activities for tourists seeking adventure and the unique beauty of the Sahara.

Libya’s cultural heritage includes traditional music, dance, handicrafts, and local festivals. While these aspects of Libyan culture are vibrant, they are not as well known internationally due to the country’s complex political landscape and limited tourism industry. For travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience, attending local festivals, exploring traditional crafts, and enjoying Libyan music and dance can offer deep insights into the country’s rich cultural traditions.

 

 

Form of government: republic

Libya’s system of government has undergone significant changes, particularly following the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime in 2011. The country has since experienced severe political instability, leading to a fragmented and complex political landscape.

Executive power in Libya has been highly contested and divided among various factions. After Gaddafi’s fall, Libya was governed by a transitional government known as the National Transitional Council (NTC). However, the country soon descended into conflict, resulting in the emergence of rival governments. By 2014, Libya was effectively split between two main rival administrations: the Government of National Accord (GNA) based in Tripoli in the west, and the House of Representatives (HoR) based in Tobruk in the east. Both governments claimed legitimacy, but neither had full control over the entire country.

The General National Congress (GNC) served as the legislative body until 2014. After the GNC was dissolved, the House of Representatives (HoR) was established as the new legislative authority, but the GNC re-emerged as a rival government in Tripoli, complicating the political landscape further. The High Council of State, based in Tripoli, functioned as an advisory body with influence over legislative matters, further adding to the complexity of governance in Libya.

In response to the ongoing conflict and fragmentation, the Libyan Political Agreement was brokered in 2015, leading to the formation of the Government of National Accord (GNA), which was intended to be a unity government. However, the GNA struggled to assert its authority, as it faced opposition from the eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA) led by General Khalifa Haftar, which supported the HoR in Tobruk.

Libya’s political and security situation has remained unstable, with ongoing conflicts between various militias, tribes, and political factions. The UN and international community have repeatedly attempted to mediate and establish a lasting political solution, but these efforts have faced numerous challenges.

 

Capital city: Tripoli

Tripoli, the capital city of Libya, is located on the Mediterranean coast in the northwest of the country. It is one of Libya’s largest cities and serves as its political, economic, and cultural center. The city has a rich history that dates back to antiquity, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Tripoli was founded in the 7th century BCE by the Phoenicians under the name Oea and became a significant trading hub in the Mediterranean region due to its strategic coastal location. Over the centuries, Tripoli has been ruled by various powers, including the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Ottomans, each leaving a lasting influence on the city’s architecture and culture.

The city is home to a number of important historical and cultural sites. Among the key sights is the Red Castle (Assaraya al-Hamra), a large fortress that dates back to the Ottoman period and now houses the Red Castle Museum, also known as the Libyan National Museum, which showcases artifacts from Libya’s rich history. The Arch of Marcus Aurelius, a well-preserved Roman triumphal arch, is another significant historical landmark in the city.

Tripoli’s Medina (Old City) is a maze of narrow streets filled with traditional markets (souks), mosques, and old buildings that reflect the city’s diverse cultural heritage. The Gurgi Mosque, with its intricate decoration and tile work, is one of the most beautiful mosques in Tripoli and is located within the Medina.

The city’s port plays a crucial role in Libya’s economy, facilitating trade and shipping activities. Tripoli is also home to several government institutions, foreign embassies, and businesses, making it the administrative heart of the country.

The city has a population of about 1 183 000.

 

Area: 1 759 541 km² (679 363 square miles)

 

Population: 7 224 000 (2022)

The largest ethnic group in Libya is composed of Arabs and Arabized Berbers, who make up the majority of the population. Berbers (also known as Amazigh), Tuaregs, and Toubou are significant minority groups. The Berbers are indigenous to the region and have their own distinct language and cultural practices. The Tuaregs are a nomadic group primarily found in the southwestern part of Libya, while the Toubou people inhabit the southern regions, particularly around the Tibesti Mountains.

The official language of Libya is Arabic, which is used in government, education, and media. Berber languages are also spoken, particularly among Berber communities in the western mountains and other parts of the country. In addition to these, Tuareg languages are spoken among the Tuareg population. Italian and English are also spoken, especially in contexts related to international trade, diplomacy, and tourism, due to Libya’s historical ties with Italy and its connections to the broader global community.

Islam is the dominant religion in Libya, with the vast majority of the population adhering to Sunni Islam. There is a small Christian minority, primarily composed of expatriates, as well as some adherents of other religions. However, the practice of religions other than Islam is limited, and Libya is considered a predominantly Muslim country with Islamic principles deeply embedded in its legal and social systems.

 

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 5

 

1. Kyrene Archaeological Site (1982) – An ancient archaeological site, known for its Greek and Roman monuments.
2. Leptis Magna Archaeological Site (1982) – An important archaeological site that contains well-preserved remains of an ancient Roman city.
3. Sabráta Archaeological Site (1982) – Another important archaeological site in Libya, with the remains of an ancient city.
4. Rock paintings at Tadrart Acacus (1985) – Rock paintings in the Libyan desert known for their exceptional historical and cultural value.
5. Old Town of Ghadames (1986) – A historic town, known for its unique architectural and urban elements that reflect traditional life in the desert environment.

 

National parks: 4

 

1. El Kauf National Park
2. Karabolli National Park
3. El Naggaza National Park
4. Sirman National Park