Libya Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Libya, State of North Africa; 1.76 million km², 6.7 million residents (2019).Libya borders in the east to Egypt and Sudan, in the south to Chad and Niger and in the west to Algeria and Tunisia and to the north coast to the Mediterranean. The border with Chad has been disputed since 1973, when Libya occupied a 114,000 km² large area in northern Chad, the so-called Aozour Strip. The capital is Tripoli (Tarabulus al-Gharb), which in 2010 had 1.1 million residents.

Country facts

Country abbreviation: LY
Area: 1.76 million km²
Population (2019): 6.7 million residents
Capital: Tripoli
Main language: Arabic
State: Republic
Head of State and Head of Government: Fayez al-Sarraj
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 7,235
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 6,330
Currency unit: 1 dinar = 1,000 dirhams
Currency code: SOUND
Country number (telephony): 218
Internet domain name: ly
Time difference compared to Sweden: +1
National Day: September 1 (Proclamation of the Republic, 1969)
Independence Day: December 24, 1951

Nature

Land use: agricultural land (1%), other (majority of desert, 99%)
Highest mountain: Bette (2,267 m above sea level)

Population

Population density (2019): 4 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 1.4%; birth number 19 ‰, death number 5 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (28%), 15-64 (68%), 65- (4%)
Average life expectancy (2019): men 70 years, women 76 years
Infant mortality (2019): 10 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 8 million residents
HDI (2017): 0.706 (place 108 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 80%
Most populous cities (2010): Tripoli (1.1 million residents), Benghazi (629,800)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (1%), industry (52%), service (47%)
Exports (2017): US $ 18 380 million
Main export product: oil
Main exporting countries: Italy, Spain, France
Imports (2017): US $ 11 360 million
Main import products: industrial products, machinery, means of transport
Main importing countries: China, Turkey, Italy
Railway network: nothing in use

Geography

Location and Borders

Libya is a country located in North Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea to the north. It is bordered by Egypt to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Chad and Niger to the south, Algeria to the west, and Tunisia to the northwest. Covering an area of approximately 1.76 million square kilometers (680,000 square miles), Libya is the fourth-largest country in Africa by land area. The country’s central location in the northern part of the African continent, along with its Mediterranean coastline, has historically given it strategic importance in terms of trade, culture, and geopolitics.

Libya’s geographic location is significant not only because of its coastal access but also due to its vast deserts and mountainous regions, which influence the country’s population distribution and infrastructure. The country’s capital, Tripoli, is located along the Mediterranean coast and serves as its economic and political hub. Other major cities such as Benghazi, Misrata, and Sebha are scattered across the country, with the majority of the population concentrated along the coastal strip and the fertile regions to the north.

Physical Features

Libya’s terrain is predominantly made up of desert, particularly the Sahara Desert, which covers most of the country. The desert landscape is interspersed with mountain ranges and plateaus. The northern coastal region is marked by the Mediterranean climate, with fertile plains and arable land. The most notable mountain range in the country is the Akakus Mountains in the southwest, which are home to some of Libya’s most significant historical and cultural sites. The Jebel al Akhdar (Green Mountain), located along the Mediterranean coast, is another important physical feature that separates the coastal plain from the desert.

The majority of Libya’s population resides in the coastal strip, which is the only area with sufficient water resources for agriculture. The rest of the country, particularly the south, consists of harsh desert landscapes, including the Great Sand Sea, a vast expanse of dunes. Water resources are scarce in Libya, and the country is heavily dependent on groundwater and desalination plants. In the south, Libya also contains parts of the Sahara Desert, which is known for its extreme heat and limited rainfall.

Rivers in Libya are rare, with the most significant being the Wadi al Kufra, which flows in the southeast. However, Libya has some underground rivers, and the Libyan Desert is also home to the world’s largest underground water reservoir, the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer, which provides water to the country.

Climate

Libya has a predominantly arid climate, with the majority of the country experiencing extreme heat and dry conditions for most of the year. The coastal regions, including the capital, Tripoli, experience a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Average temperatures in the coastal areas can range from 10°C (50°F) in winter to 30°C (86°F) in summer. Rainfall is relatively low, but it is more concentrated in the winter months, from December to February. The coastal areas benefit from a moderate climate due to the influence of the Mediterranean Sea, which brings cool breezes.

In contrast, the inland and southern regions, particularly those in the Sahara, experience much harsher conditions. These areas are characterized by extremely high temperatures during the day, often exceeding 40°C (104°F) in summer, and cool to cold temperatures at night. Rainfall is rare in the desert regions, with some areas receiving no precipitation for several years at a time. Sandstorms and dust storms are common in the Sahara, and the desert climate is harsh and unyielding, limiting human settlement and agriculture in these regions.

Libya’s climate has played a key role in the distribution of its population, with the majority living along the coastal strip and the fertile northern region, while the vast desert areas in the south remain sparsely populated.

Natural Resources

Libya is rich in natural resources, particularly oil and natural gas. The country is one of the largest oil producers in Africa and holds some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves. Oil production has historically been the backbone of Libya’s economy, accounting for nearly 95% of its export revenues. The majority of oil fields are located in the eastern and southern parts of the country, and major oil ports, such as those in Sidra and Ras Lanuf, are located along the Mediterranean coast.

In addition to hydrocarbons, Libya has other valuable natural resources, including natural gas, which is used domestically for power generation and exported to Europe and other regions. The country also has some mineral resources, such as gypsum, limestone, and salt, although these are less significant than oil and gas. Despite its wealth in natural resources, Libya faces challenges related to resource management, political instability, and economic diversification.

Water resources are limited, and Libya relies on underground aquifers, desalination plants, and the Great Man-Made River Project (GMR) to supply water to its population. The GMR is an extensive network of pipelines that transport water from underground reservoirs in the south to the northern coastal areas. This project has been crucial for sustaining life in the country, particularly in the arid north and coastal regions.

People

Population and Ethnic Composition

Libya has a population of approximately 6.7 million people. The majority of the population is Arab, with the majority of Libyans identifying as ethnic Arabs. There are also significant Berber (Amazigh) populations, particularly in the mountain regions, and smaller communities of Tuareg and Toubou people in the south. The Berbers, who have historically been marginalized, have a rich cultural heritage and language, and they represent an important part of Libya’s history and identity.

Libya is also home to migrant workers, particularly from sub-Saharan Africa, who come to the country for work opportunities. Many of these migrants are employed in the construction, service, and agriculture sectors. The migrant population contributes to Libya’s cultural diversity but also faces significant challenges, particularly in terms of legal status and human rights.

The population of Libya is primarily concentrated in the coastal areas, where the climate is more temperate and there are better opportunities for agriculture and trade. Urbanization is most prominent in cities such as Tripoli, Benghazi, Misrata, and Sabha, while rural areas are sparsely populated. The country has experienced significant internal migration, particularly due to political instability, which has led to the displacement of many people, both within Libya and across its borders.

Language

The official language of Libya is Arabic, which is used in government, education, and media. Arabic is also the language of daily life for the majority of the population. The variety of Arabic spoken in Libya is a form of Maghrebi Arabic, which shares similarities with other dialects spoken in North Africa. The Libyan dialect of Arabic has unique linguistic features due to the country’s historical influences from the Berber, Turkish, and Italian languages.

In addition to Arabic, there are also small communities in Libya that speak Berber (Amazigh) languages, particularly in the Nafusa Mountains and other mountainous areas in the west. The Berber people, who are an indigenous ethnic group, have their own language, traditions, and culture. The Berber language is not widely spoken outside of these communities but is an important part of Libya’s cultural and linguistic heritage.

Italian is also spoken to a limited extent, particularly among the older generation, as Libya was an Italian colony from 1911 to 1951. Italian has left a cultural and linguistic imprint on Libya, especially in the areas of cuisine, architecture, and everyday life, although its use has declined in recent decades.

Religion

Islam is the predominant religion in Libya, with nearly 97% of the population identifying as Muslim. The majority of Libyan Muslims adhere to Sunni Islam, and the country has a long history of Islamic influence, dating back to the Arab conquest in the 7th century. Islam plays a central role in daily life and is integrated into nearly all aspects of Libyan culture, including law, politics, and social practices.

Libya follows a form of Sunni Islam influenced by the Maliki school of thought, which is predominant in North Africa. Islamic practices, such as daily prayers (Salat), fasting during Ramadan, and the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj), are an integral part of life for Libyan Muslims. Religious observances and holidays, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, are widely celebrated, and mosques are central places of worship and community gathering.

There is a small Christian minority in Libya, mostly composed of expatriates, including workers from sub-Saharan Africa and other parts of the Middle East. Christianity has a long history in Libya, with the country once home to thriving Christian communities in the early centuries of the Common Era. However, Christianity is not widely practiced in modern-day Libya, and religious freedom can be restricted, particularly for non-Muslim groups.

Social Structure

Libyan society is traditionally hierarchical, with family and tribe playing central roles in social life. The extended family, or “al-usra,” is the fundamental unit of social organization, and familial bonds are highly valued. The tribe, particularly in rural areas, often serves as the source of political influence and social status. Although urbanization and modernization have led to changes in these traditional structures, tribal allegiances remain important, especially in the political and social spheres.

Gender roles in Libya are shaped by both cultural and religious traditions. While there are significant differences between urban and rural areas, women in Libya historically held less public and economic power than men. However, the country’s oil wealth has led to improvements in education and healthcare, and women have increasingly participated in professional fields and higher education. Despite this, women’s rights remain a sensitive issue, and many women still face challenges related to access to employment, legal rights, and political participation.

Economy

Key Industries

Libya’s economy is heavily reliant on its natural resources, particularly oil and natural gas. The country is one of Africa’s largest oil producers, with vast oil fields located in the eastern and southern parts of the country. Oil exports account for over 90% of Libya’s revenue, making it one of the most oil-dependent economies in the world. The country’s oil industry has attracted substantial foreign investment, and Libya has the largest proven oil reserves in Africa.

In addition to oil, Libya’s natural gas reserves are also an important economic resource. The country is a major producer of natural gas, which is used both domestically for power generation and as an export commodity, particularly to Europe. Libya’s natural gas industry, however, has faced challenges due to political instability, which has affected the country’s ability to fully capitalize on its energy resources.

Agriculture is another key sector in the economy, although it is less developed than the oil and gas industries. The country produces crops such as wheat, barley, fruits, and vegetables, with most of the agricultural production occurring in the coastal plains. Livestock farming, particularly sheep, goats, and cattle, also plays an important role in rural areas.

The manufacturing sector is underdeveloped, and Libya relies heavily on imports for many goods. However, efforts have been made to diversify the economy, particularly through the development of the telecommunications, financial, and service industries.

Agriculture and Livestock

Agriculture in Libya faces significant challenges due to the country’s arid climate and water scarcity. Despite these challenges, agriculture remains important for food security, particularly in the rural areas where subsistence farming is common. The coastal areas and the fertile regions in the northwest are the most productive agricultural zones, supporting crops such as wheat, barley, vegetables, and fruits like olives, citrus, and dates.

Livestock farming is important in Libya, especially in rural communities where families raise sheep, goats, cattle, and camels. These animals are raised for meat, milk, and hides, and livestock plays a role in both the local economy and traditional social practices. The country also produces wool, especially in the southern regions, where it is used for local textiles.

However, agriculture in Libya faces several challenges, including a lack of modern farming technology, reliance on imported food, and the impact of climate change. Water scarcity is a significant issue, and the country’s reliance on irrigation and underground aquifers to support agriculture has led to concerns about the sustainability of these water resources.

Economic Challenges

Libya’s economy faces several structural challenges, including over-reliance on oil and gas revenues. While the country has vast natural resources, its economy has struggled to diversify, and it has been heavily impacted by fluctuations in global oil prices. The ongoing political instability, particularly following the civil war and the fall of the Gaddafi regime, has hampered economic development and infrastructure projects.

The country has also faced challenges in rebuilding its infrastructure after years of conflict, with many sectors requiring modernization and investment. The Libyan economy has high levels of unemployment, particularly among youth, and poverty remains a significant issue, especially in rural areas.

The legal and regulatory environment in Libya is still in a state of flux, with ongoing efforts to rebuild institutions and create a more business-friendly environment. The country remains dependent on foreign aid and investment, and while its natural resources offer considerable potential, economic recovery and diversification will require addressing issues of governance, political stability, and infrastructure development.

Government

Political System

Libya has a complex political system, which has undergone significant changes in recent decades. The country was ruled by Muammar Gaddafi for over four decades, from 1969 to 2011, when he was overthrown during the Libyan Civil War. Since Gaddafi’s overthrow, Libya has faced political instability, with competing factions vying for control of the country.

Libya has attempted to establish a democratic political system, but the country remains deeply divided along political, tribal, and regional lines. The political situation is complicated by the presence of multiple militias and armed groups, which often exert control over different parts of the country. The Government of National Unity (GNU), established with UN support, represents the internationally recognized government, but its authority is contested by rival groups in the east and west of the country.

Libya’s political future remains uncertain, and efforts to form a unified government and resolve the country’s political crisis continue to face significant obstacles. The UN, along with international actors such as the African Union and the European Union, has played an important role in peace negotiations and in supporting the country’s reconstruction efforts.

Legal System

Libya’s legal system is based on civil law and Islamic law (Sharia). The legal system underwent significant changes after Gaddafi’s overthrow, and the country’s judicial framework has been weakened by years of conflict and instability. The rule of law remains fragile, and the country faces significant challenges related to corruption, human rights, and justice.

The judiciary in Libya is still in the process of rebuilding, and there are ongoing efforts to restore the independence of the courts and ensure the protection of fundamental rights. There are multiple legal traditions in Libya, with Sharia law playing an important role in family law and personal status issues, while civil law applies to other legal matters. However, the legal system remains under strain, and access to justice is limited in some regions, particularly in areas controlled by militias.

Foreign Policy

Libya’s foreign policy is influenced by its strategic location in North Africa and its position as a key oil exporter. The country has sought to rebuild its diplomatic ties after the fall of the Gaddafi regime, and it has pursued membership in international organizations, including the United Nations and the African Union. Libya has also sought stronger relations with its neighbors, including Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria, and has engaged in regional security issues, particularly related to the ongoing conflict in neighboring Mali and the Sahel region.

Libya’s foreign policy is also shaped by its dependence on oil exports, and the country has worked to attract foreign investment in its energy sector. Despite these efforts, Libya’s instability has made it a challenging environment for foreign diplomacy, and the country’s role in regional and international politics remains uncertain as it works through internal challenges and political fragmentation.