Libya
Region
🌍 Africa
Population
👥 7
Currency
💱 Libyan dinar
Languages
🗣️ Arabic
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Official NameSource: REST Countries
State of Libya
Continent
Africa
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Libyan
Independence
December 24, 1951 (from Italy)
Top-Level Domain
.ly
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+218
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+01:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Tripoli
ISO Alpha-2
LY
ISO Alpha-3
LBY
UN Code
434
Geographic Coordinates
25,17
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
1,759,540#18 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
7,539,852#104 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
4.15
Highest Point (m)
Jebel Bikku, 2,286 m
Lowest Point (m)
Sabkhat Ghuzayyil, -47 m
Land Use
Mostly desert; a small percentage is arable land.
Irrigated Land
Approximately 4,700 sq km (2012)
Coastline Length
1,770 km
Climate
Primarily arid desert, with hot summers and mild winters; Mediterranean climate along the coast.
Natural Resources
Petroleum, natural gas, gypsum
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Niger, Sudan, Tunisia
Major Rivers
This country has no major rivers.
Major Lakes
This country has no major lakes.
Government Type
In transition, with elements of a parliamentary republic.
Administrative Divisions
Divided into 22 municipalities.
Legal System
Based on a combination of civil law and Islamic law.
Chief of State
Theoretically, the Head of the Presidential Council, Mohammed al-Menfi.
Head of Government
The Prime Minister, Abdul Hamid al-Dabaiba.
Cabinet
The cabinet is appointed by the Prime Minister.
Elections
Elections are periodically held, but the process is currently unstable.
Judicial Branch
The judiciary is undergoing reform and reorganization.
Legislative Branch
The House of Representatives (HoR) functions as a legislative body.
Major Political Parties
Multiple political groups and factions are active, but the political landscape is fragmented.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Libyan dinar
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
48.1#102 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
123.23#96 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
6,448.82#127 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.5
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
73.25
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
26.91
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.84#133 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2,616,929
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
18.76#9 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Information on Libya's public debt fluctuates due to the current political and economic instability.
Budget
Information on the national budget fluctuates; reliable up-to-date figures are difficult to obtain.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
34.49#78 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
31.72#81 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Information on foreign reserves is subject to fluctuations based on the current economic situation.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates can be found through online financial resources and banks.
GDP by Sector
Information on GDP by sector is subject to significant fluctuation, with the oil sector being dominant.
Major Industries
The major industry is oil, with other sectors playing a smaller role due to the economic situation.
Major Export Partners
Major export partners are influenced by oil trade agreements; current specific data fluctuates.
Major Import Partners
Major import partners fluctuate depending on trade agreements and economic relationships.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (1984)Checked September 29, 2026
60.16#150 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
16.5
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6.5
Net Migration Rate
Net migration is variable due to the political and economic situation, with reliable data being difficult to obtain.
Median Age
Reliable median age data is subject to change due to the current demographic situation.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
87.91#40 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Urbanization data is subject to change, reflecting internal migration patterns.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
71.1#145 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Prevalence rates are subject to change; reliable recent data is difficult to obtain.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
7.81
Ethnic Groups
Ethnic groups include Arabs and Berbers, with smaller communities.
Religions
Islam is the state religion.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Arabic
Education
Education System
The Libyan education system is largely state-funded. It comprises primary, secondary, and higher education levels. The system has experienced disruption and underfunding due to recent conflicts.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2003)Checked September 29, 2026
15.5
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education has varied. Precise, current figures are difficult to obtain due to instability, but spending has historically been significant.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Major universities include the University of Tripoli, Garyounis University (Benghazi), and Sebha University. They have faced challenges related to funding and staffing.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Libyan culture is a blend of Arab, Berber, and African influences. It is deeply rooted in Islamic traditions, with strong emphasis on family and community.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- يوم ثورة 17 فبراير (2026-02-17)
- عيد العمال (2026-05-01)
- يوم الشهيد (2026-09-16)
- يوم التحرير (2026-10-23)
- عيد الاستقلال (2026-12-24)
Popular Music
Traditional Libyan music often features the oud, rebab, and drums. Contemporary music has been influenced by Arab pop and Western genres.
Traditional Food
Traditional foods include couscous, bazine (a barley porridge), and various stews with lamb, vegetables, and dates.
Sports
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport. Other sports include basketball, volleyball, and athletics.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include religious holidays and cultural celebrations, though their observance can vary depending on regional and political circumstances.
Famous People
Notable figures include Muammar Gaddafi (former leader), Ahmed Sanussi (political figure), and athletes and artists.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Libya has numerous archaeological sites dating back to Greek and Roman periods, as well as significant Islamic architecture.
UNESCO Sites
UNESCO World Heritage Sites include Leptis Magna, Sabratha, Cyrene, and the rock-art sites of Tadrart Acacus.
Annual Tourist Visits
Very low; numbers significantly impacted by conflict.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is very limited due to security concerns and instability.
Top Tourist Attractions
Limited; Leptis Magna (Roman ruins) is a notable site, but access is often restricted.
Famous Cities
Tripoli, Benghazi, Misrata, Sabha.
National Parks
Limited information available; potential sites are largely inaccessible.
Protected Areas
Limited data; protection efforts hampered by instability.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements vary; check with the Libyan embassy.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Strongly advise against all travel due to ongoing conflict and security risks.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Healthcare quality is impacted by the instability, making it difficult to find reliable index data.
Medical Cost
Medical costs are variable due to the political and economic situation.
Number of Hospitals
The number of hospitals may vary; reliable, current data is difficult to obtain.
Universal Healthcare
Libya's healthcare system is primarily public, offering free or subsidized services. However, it faces challenges due to political instability and resource limitations, impacting access and quality.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are impacted by the political and economic situation, with varying availability.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical access is variable due to the political and economic situation.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
193
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
193
Emergency Number (Fire)
193
Crime Rate
High crime rate; security situation volatile.
Safety Index
Low safety index due to ongoing conflict and instability.
Military Expenditure
Data fluctuates due to conflict and instability.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services are present but may be strained due to ongoing instability and resource limitations.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
Libyan Army, Libyan Navy, Libyan Air Force, various militias.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Variable access; conflict and infrastructure issues impact supply.
Water Access
Variable access; infrastructure challenges exist.
Sanitation Access
Variable access; infrastructure challenges exist.
Railways
Railways are very limited, with only a small existing network, and plans for expansion have been significantly affected by the ongoing conflicts.
Roadways
Limited data; infrastructure affected by conflict; quality varies.
Transportation System
The transportation system includes roads, limited railways, and air travel. Infrastructure has been damaged by conflict.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Al Abraq International Airport (LAQ), Benina International Airport (BEN), Mitiga International Airport (MJI), Sirt International Airport / Ghardabiya Airbase (SRX), Brak Airport (BCQ), Ghadames Airport (LTD)
Ports
Major ports: Tripoli, Benghazi, and Misrata; crucial for trade.
Public Transit
Very limited; primarily private transport.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
81.95#102 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Estimated around 80-100; varies based on region.
Tech Startups
Very limited; sector underdeveloped.
Innovation Index
Low; due to instability and lack of resources.
ICT Development Index
Low; infrastructure and development challenges exist.
TV Broadcast Stations
Limited; several private and state-owned channels.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Several radio stations; both public and private.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
8.66#24 of 202
Air Quality Index
Data is limited; air quality is generally poor, especially in urban areas due to industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust.
Water Pollution Level
High levels of water pollution due to inadequate sewage treatment, industrial discharge, and agricultural runoff.
Renewable Energy Usage
Limited; primarily focused on solar energy, but with low overall renewable energy usage.
Environmental Issues
Desertification, water scarcity, soil erosion, and pollution from industrial activity and oil extraction are significant environmental concerns.
Natural Hazards
Droughts, sandstorms, dust storms, and flash floods are common natural hazards.
Waste Management
Waste management infrastructure is underdeveloped, leading to significant challenges in waste collection, treatment, and disposal.
Environmental Agreements
Party to agreements on climate change, desertification, hazardous wastes, and ozone layer protection.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Has diplomatic missions in various countries; exact number fluctuates.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
African Union, Arab League, OPEC
Major Treaties
Information not readily available.
Visa-Free Countries
Information on visa-free travel varies; check current travel advisories.