North Africa.

GMT + 2.

1,775,500 sq km (685,520 sq miles).

6.2 million (2008).

3.5 per sq km.

Tripoli (Tarabulus). Population: 2.1 million (2007).

About 95% of Libya, Africa's fourth largest country, consists of desert (the Sahara). In the west the Sahara desert extends into Tunisia and Algeria, in the east into Egypt, and across the southern frontiers into Niger, Chad and Sudan. Only 20% of the desert features sand dunes - most of it consists of hamada (rock plateau) and, in the south, dramatic basalt mountains, the highest point of which is Bikubiti (2285m), near the Chad border. There are a few oases scattered throughout the country, mainly in the south.

There are almost 1,770 km (1,100 miles) of Mediterranean coast, with a low plain extending from the Tunisian border to the Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain) area in the east. Inland the terrain becomes more hilly. Agriculture has developed mainly on the coast between Zuwarah and Misratah in the west and from Marsa Susa to Benghazi in the east. In the uplands of the old province of Cyrenaica and on Jebel Akhdar the vegetation is more lush.

Desertification is a huge problem, but the Great Manmade River Project, the largest water development scheme in the world, was built to bring water from large aquifers under the Sahara to the coastal cities.

Jamahiriya (state of the masses) - in theory governed by the people through the local councils, but it is more like an authoritarian state in reality. Gained independence from Italy in 1951.

Colonel Muammar Gaddafi (Leader of the Revolution) since 1969.

Prime Minister Ali al-Mahmudi al-Baghdadi since March 2006.

In the 1980s and 1990s Libya was ostracised from the international community because of Qaddafi's political and practical support for various revolutionary and terrorist groups, and its hand in several acts of terrorism in the West. The most serious were the 1988 bombing of the Pan Am flight over the Scottish town of Lockerbie that killed all of the 270 passengers on board. UN sanctions were imposed from 1992 onwards, a measure that cost Libya billions of dollars in revenue. When Qaddafi announced in 2003 that he would give up his nuclear weapons, sanctions were completely lifted and in 2006 Libya was rehabilitated and taken off the US government's list of states sponsoring terrorism.

Arabic (which must be used for all official purposes), with some English and Italian. English is normally understood by people working in hotels, restaurants and shops.

Sunni Muslim 97%.

127/230 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs used are European-style with two circular metal pins and South African/Indian-style with two circular metal pins above a large circular grounding pin.

Life in Libya is regulated fairly strictly along socialist/Islamic principles; in general, Arab courtesies and social customs prevail and should be respected. Women do not generally attend typical Arab gatherings. Modest dress is advisable everywhere, particularly in religious buildings and small towns. On no account must alcohol be brought into the country. Severe penalties are imposed for criticising the country, its leadership or religion. Homosexuality is considered a criminal offence and sexual relationships outside of marriage are punishable by law.

Photography: It is unwise to use or carry cameras especially close to military or official sites.