Libya

Libya is a country in North Africa bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and by Egypt, Sudan, Chad, Niger, Algeria, and Tunisia. It covers about 1.8 million square kilometers, making it the fourth-largest country in Africa by area. The population is predominantly Arabic-speaking, with a mix of Arab and Berber communities, and Islam is the main religion. The capital and largest city is Tripoli, located on the western coast, with Benghazi in the east as another major urban center.

Historically, the territory has seen successive powers, including ancient Libyan kingdoms, later the Roman and Ottoman empires, and Italian colonial rule in the early 20th century. It gained independence as the Kingdom of Libya in 1951. In 1969, Muammar Gaddafi led a military coup, and the country was governed for decades under his authoritarian rule until the 2011 uprising during the Arab Spring, which culminated in his overthrow and killing. The post-revolution period was marked by political fragmentation and conflict, as rival groups vied for control of territory and institutions.

Since 2014, Libya has been divided among competing authorities and armed factions. A UN-facilitated ceasefire and political process led to the formation of a UN-supported Government of National Unity in the early 2020s, intended to unify institutions and guide talks toward elections. Despite this, security and governance challenges persist, and the country remains in a transitional phase with ongoing international mediation and efforts to restore stability.

Libya’s economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas, which account for the majority of government revenue and exports. The Libyan dinar is the national currency. The country faces ongoing social and economic reconstruction needs as it works toward lasting political settlement and development.