40 Facts About Libya

Libya, officially the State of Libya, is a country in the Maghreb region in North Africa. 

It has a total area of 1,759,540 square km. 

Tripoli is its capital and largest city. 

Arabic is the official language of the country. 

Libyan dinar (LYD) is its official currency. 

Its six land bordering countries are Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Niger, Sudan, and Tunisia.

Tripoli, Libya's capital, was in a position to help protect American ships from Barbary pirate attacks in the nineteenth century (after all, some of them were based there!). The US ships sailed the Mediterranean unmolested because they paid the Sultan for protection. When the price rose, the two countries went to war twice, resulting in the Barbary Wars.

Libya has only had one King throughout its history. King Idris reigned from 1951 until 1969, when he was deposed by Colonel Gaddafi (also spelled Qadhafi).

During the latter years of Gaddafi's regime, the country's full official name was the "Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya".

Despite being an Islamic country today, Libya was historically an important Christian centre.

Libya has the longest Mediterranean Sea coast of any North African country, stretching 1,770 kilometres (1099 miles).

The Libyan Sea refers to the area of the Mediterranean Sea north of Libya.

The Libyan Desert covers much of the country's central and eastern regions. The Libyan Desert is one of the most arid and sun-baked places on the planet. There is no such thing as average rainfall; the land can go for decades without rain, and the highlands can go for five to ten years without it.

The Libyan plain is dotted with eroded volcanic features north of the Jebel Uweinat mountains. This area is also home to the Arkenu structures, which were once thought to be two meteorite impact craters.

When oil was discovered in the 1950s, an enormous aquifer was discovered beneath much of Libya. The water in this aquifer predates the last ice ages.

Apart from oil export revenues, petrochemicals, iron, aluminium, and steel manufacturing account for 20% of Libya's GDP.

Libya's poor soils and climatic conditions severely limit the amount of food that can be grown within the country, so the country imports approximately 75 percent of its food.

The Libyan dinar is the country's currency.

Libya has the African continent's largest proven oil reserves. It contributes significantly to the world's supply of sweet, light crude.

Despite the World Bank's classification of Libya as a "Upper Middle Income Economy," the country's unemployment rate is 21 percent, and the proceeds from its oil do not benefit the majority of its people.

Tripoli is Libya's capital and largest city, as well as its port.

Tripoli is also the capital of the majority of the country's international businesses.

Tripoli is a Greek word that means "three cities". Tarabulus is the Arabic name for it. It is situated on the outskirts of the desert on a rocky outcrop that projects into the Mediterranean, forming a small bay.

Because of its turquoise waters and whitewashed buildings, Tripoli is also known as the Mermaid of the Mediterranean.

The Medina, Tripoli's old town, retains much of its old world charm. On the outskirts of the Medina, tourists will find the Red Castle Museum, with its vast palace complex and numerous courtyards. The Traveler's Library is also located here.

The majority of Libya's population lives in coastal cities. Traditional tribal society life is the norm in western Libyan Berber villages. The Bedouins, including the Tuaregs, live in the south.

Libyans have traditionally lived in large families. Instead of living with the husband's family, many young couples now get their own place. Couples, particularly those who live in cities, even choose their own mates. Traditional arranged marriages continue to occur in rural areas.

Berbers first identify with their village or tribe, then with their country.

The Bedouins are the collective name for all desert tribes. They live nomadic lives, travelling with their livestock or establishing farming villages in oases. The Tuaregs were the first desert traders, transporting goods across the desert on camels. They are sometimes referred to as the Blue People because of their indigo-dyed robes.

The national language of Libya is Arabic, but the population also speaks Italian and English.

Libyans are a friendly and welcoming people. When greeting someone, they shake hands and keep the handshake going as long as the verbal greeting continues. Men shake hands with men but wait for women to initiate a handshake with men.

Libyans greet each other with "Salam aleikum" (Peace be with you) or "Sabbahakum Allah bi'l-khair" (Peace be with you) (May Allah give you a good morning.). In addition, they ask a series of formal ritual questions about their families and health.

Because Libya is an Islamic country, women must still wear the Hijab to cover their heads in accordance with Islamic law. Many women, particularly in cities, no longer wear public veils and instead dress in western-style dresses and clothing. Men feel the same way. Traditional men and women continue to dress in their traditional robes.

Soccer, chariot races, and camel racing are popular sports.

Libyans, who are non-confrontational, value saving face. They avoid expressing disagreement or saying no.

Lunch is the most important meal of the day for Libyan families, and it is highly symbolic. Businesses, shops, and schools are closed for several hours so that families can eat together.

Green tea is consumed after meals to aid digestion. Tea and coffee are popular beverages. Libyan tea is thick and syrup-like.

Libyan cuisine is a fusion of Mediterranean, African, and Italian influences. Dates, olives, fruits, lamb, chicken, milk, and grains, particularly couscous, are all common ingredients. Stuffed sweet peppers can be found in a variety of dishes. The right combination of popular flavours requires the proper use of spices.

Libyans must consume only halal meat. This means the animal was killed humanely and ritually prayed over in accordance with Muslim customs.

Three fingers on the right hand are used to eat food. The left is regarded as impure. To show that your host is a gracious and generous provider, leave a small amount of food on your plate.