Libya Travel Guide - Key Facts

North Africa.

GMT + 2.

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

5.9 million (CIA estimate 2006).

3.3 per sq km.

Tripoli (Tarabulus). Population: 2 million (UN estimate 2003).

Libya consists mostly of huge areas of desert. It shares borders with Tunisia and Algeria in the west and Egypt in the east, while the Sahara extends across the southern frontiers with Niger, Chad and the Sudan. There are almost 2,000km (1,250 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. With the exception of the ‘Sand Sea’ of the Sarir Calanscio, and the Saharan mountains of the Sarir Tibesti, there are oases scattered throughout the country.

Jamahiriya (state of the masses). Gained independence from Italy in 1951.

Muammar Gaddafi (Leader of the Revolution) since 1969.

Prime Minister Baghdadi Mahmudi since March 2006.

Following the Libyan government's political and practical support for a variety of revolutionary and terrorist groups, and its complicity in various acts of terrorism in the West, Libya became ostracised from the international community. The most serious of these were the destruction of two airliners: one French over the Sahara in 1987, the other American over the Scottish town of Lockerbie the following year. The West's response was to impose economic sanctions and to engage in a series of attempts to dispose of Gaddafi, all of which have failed. The Libyan government has now made some reparations for its alleged misdeeds. By 2003, almost all sanctions had been lifted. Libya had opened up a number of new channels to the West. The most important of these is with Italy, with which Libya has important historic and economic links.

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. In religious buildings and small towns, modest dress is advisable. 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.