Libya Country statistics
area: | 1,759,540sq km (679,358sq mi) 6,984,400 |
capital (population): | Tripoli (1,223,300) |
government: | Single-party socialist republic |
ethnic groups: | Libyan Arab and Berber 89%, others 11% |
languages: | Arabic (official) |
religions: | Sunni Muslim 97% |
currency: | Libyan dinar = 1000 dirhams |
Republic of
n Africa. The North African state of Libya consists of three geographical areas: the
nw and
ne Mediterranean coastal plains are home to the majority of Libya's population. The
ne plain includes Libya's capital,
Tripoli; the
nw plain its second-largest city,
Benghazi. The
Sahara occupies 95% of Libya, inhabited only at scattered oases. The desert rises to 2286m (7500ft) at Bette Peak, on the
s border with Chad.
Climate and Vegetation
The coastal plains have a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, moist winters. Inland, the average annual rainfall drops to 100mm (4in) or less. Shrubs and grasses grow on the
n coasts, with some trees in wetter areas. At the desert oases date palms provide shade from the sun.
History and Politics
The earliest known inhabitants of Libya were the
Berbers. Between the 7th century
bc and the 5th century
ad, the region successively came under the rule of Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, and Vandals. Magnificent Roman ruins survive. Arabs invaded Libya in ad 643, and Islam remains the dominant religion. From 1551 Libya was part of the Ottoman Empire and power resided with local rulers or
Janissaries. During the 17th century, Barbary pirates used bases on the Libyan coast to attack shipping.
In the 19th century, US, British, and French forces attempted to curb the pirates. Italy invaded Libya in 1911, and by 1914 conquered the whole territory. Italy made attempts at colonization in the 1930s, and in 1939 Libya was formally incorporated into Italy. Libya was a battleground for many of the North Africa campaigns in World War 2 and, after the Allied victory, it was placed under UN mandate. In 1951, it became an independent monarchy. Libya joined the Arab League in 1953, and became a member of the UN in 1955.
In 1969, Colonel Muammar al-
Qaddafi toppled King Idris in a military coup. Qaddaffi nationalized industry, established an Islamic state, and reduced foreign interference. In 1970, Britain closed all its military bases. In 1973 Libyan forces occupied the Aozou Strip in
n Chad. In 1977, after several failed attempts at federation, Qaddafi proclaimed a "People's Republic", establishing "revolutionary committees" to run the country. Qaddaffi maintained an anti-Israel foreign policy and aided Palestinian guerrillas. In 1981, the USA shot down two Libyan aircraft, which challenged its warplanes. Relations with the West deteriorated and the USA placed an oil embargo on Libya.
In 1986, following evidence of Libyan support for international terrorism, the USA bombed Tripoli and Benghazi. In 1992, Libya was accused of sheltering the terrorists responsible for the bombing of Pan-Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. In 1994, Libya returned the Aouzou Strip to Chad. In 1995, Qaddaffi deported all Palestinians in protest against the
Israeli-Palestinian Accord (1993). In 1999, Libya agreed to extradite the two suspects in the Lockerbie case and the UN suspended sanctions. One of the suspects was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. In 2001, Libya sent troops to help suppress a coup in Central African Republic. In 2003, Libya accepted responsibility for the bombing of Pan-Am Flight 102 and agreed compensation for the families of victims. As a result of this action, the UN lifted sanctions.
Economy
The discovery of oil in 1958 transformed Libya's economy. Oil revenue financed welfare services and development projects. Formerly one of the world's poorest countries, it became Africa's richest in terms of its GDP per capita (2000, US$8900). Oil accounts for more than 95% of exports, and Libya remains a developing country because of this structural imbalance. It has oil refineries and petrochemical plants. Agriculture is important, but Libya depends on food imports.
Political map
Physical map
Websites
http://www.afrika.no/index/Countries/Libya/index.html
