Libya

Quick Facts

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Capital

Tripoli

Population

5,499,000

Government

Jamahiriya/military dictatorship

Religions

Islam (Sunni)

Languages

Standard Arabic

Calling Code

+218

Nationality

Local name

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Introduction

Sabratha ruins

© All Rights Reserved Jase007

Its bland green flag belies Libya's multi-dimensional attractions, deriving from its diverse and fascinating history. Libya's location placed it in the radii of Roman, Arab, Turkish and Italian conquering adventures, with the nation finally stepping forth as an independent state in the post-WWII years. While the Arabs made the most impressive mark on Libya - Islam -, the others left in their wake architecture, culture and (in the case of the Romans), some fine archaeological treasures. Today, this provides for a wealth of stunning attractions.

Brief History

Geography

Geographically, too, Libya is diverse. The northern shores have that distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere. Head southwards, though, and the story is markedly different, with the hot sands of the Sahara making for a very different kind of attraction. Here, travellers can adventure into the desert on one of the highly popular desert safaris.

Libya shares international borders with Egypt, Sudan, Chad, Niger, Algeria and Tunisia

Regions

The country can be divided into several historic and geographical regions, as listed below.

• Cyrenaica is the coastal region in Libya's east.
• Tripolitania is a historical region in the north-west. The capital Tripoli lies in this region.
• Sirtica is a barren zone in Libya's north and home to one of the world's largest oil fields.
• Marmarica, a historical region in eastern Libya is where you will find the town of Tobruk, which was the site of several famous battles in World War 2.
• The Sahara Desert occupies a large portion of Libya's south.

Cities

• Tripoli (Libya)
• Benghazi
• Ghadames
• Ghat
• Jalo
• Tobruk
• Kufra

Sights and Activities

Archeological sites

Looking over the Med

© All Rights Reserved Jase007

Libya is a vast country and boasts an enormous cultural treasure. There are no less than three archeological sites to be found on the Unesco World Heritage List. The first one is Cyrene north of Benghazi, which was one of the principal cities in the Hellenic world. It was destroyed by an earthquake of 365 and the ruins have hundreds of years of history and have been famous since the 18th century. The others include Leptis Magna and Sabratha not far from the capital Tripoli (Libya). Leptis Magna was one of the most beautiful cities of the Roman Empire while Sabratha was a Phoenician trading-post that served as an outlet for the products of the African hinterland.

Sahara Desert

Sand dune, Great Sand Sea

© All Rights Reserved wian

A trip to Libya requires at least several days into the large Sahara desert. The Libyan (together with the Algerian) Sahara is considered one of the most beautiful parts of this vast area with large sand seas (called erg in Arabic language) and rocky mountainous areas as well. The best way of visiting is with a 4wd vehicle including driver and equipment. Tents and meals are provided and if you want you can sleep under the stars.

Ghadames

Ghadames is the gateway to the Libyan parts of the Sahara desert and is also known as 'the pearl of the desert'. It is a very attractive desert oasis which also functions as the last or first place to have a decent room and shower before or after your desert trip. It is one of the oldest pre-Saharan cities and an outstanding example of a traditional settlement and therefore is on the Unesco World Heritage List as well.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Libya has a hot and dry desert climate in most of the country except the north which enjoys a somewhat milder Mediterranean climate. This means hot and dry summers and mild and retively wet winters although rain is rather unpredictable during recent years. Temperatures in summer are extremely high with recorded temperatures over 50 degrees Celcius not uncommon. From June to September temperatures are almost daily above 40 degrees and nights are still warm. In winter though, temperatures can drop below freezing but daytime temperatures are still warm with 20 degrees or more. The coast has lower temperatures during these months but are still well above 30 degrees and sometimes reach 45 degrees when the wind blows directly from the desert. The best time to visit therefore are late autumn (November is a good month) or early spring (March-April).

Getting there

Plane

Libyan Airlines is the national airline of the country and has its base at Tripoli International Airport (TIP). Destinations include several cities in Northern Africa, the Middle East and European cities like Kiev, Rome and London. Afriqiyah Airways has more destinations to Europe though, with Amsterdam, Brussels, Düsseldorf and Geneva among others. It also flies to a number of cities in West Africa. KLM, British Airways and Lufthansa fly to Tripoli as well.
From Benina International Airport (BEN) near Benghazi, Libyan Airlines fly to several countries within the region and to Rome.

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Getting around

Plane

Afriqiyah Airways flies between Tripoli and Benghazi. Libyan Airlines flies between Beida, Benghazi, Ghat, Sebha, Sirte and Tobruk.

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

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