About Libya
General
With a coastline of nearly 1,800 km at the Mediterranean and an area of 1.76 million Km2 more than three times the size of France, Libya has always enjoyed the merit of a strategic location at midpoint of Africa’s northern rim. Having borders with Egypt east, Algeria and Tunisia west and Chad, Niger and Sudan south further enhanced its strategic position that links Middle East; cradle of oriental civilizations with the other North African Arab countries as well as a passage gate to the core sub-Saharan African countries. Libya rests within easy reach of Europe; home of the Romans and the Greek, and birthplace of the modern industrial civilization. Facts that throughout history had made Libya a bustling cross roads of most witnessed civilizations.
Geography
Climate
Although
Libya has recorded the highest temperature in the world in El
Azizia region on 13/09/1922 that reached 58C (136F) breaking the
previous world record in Death Valley in California USA which
reached 57C (134F) recorded in 10/07/1913.
In addition to the vast stretch of Mediterranean Coastline, Libya’s two other main geographical features are Highlands and Desert. The Libyan highlands are Jebel Akhdar “Green Mountain” north east, Jebel Nefusa north west and Tibesti Mountains on the southern borders with Chad. Productive agriculture is concentrated on the coastal. Still farther south a pastoral zone of grassland gives way to the vast Sahara Desert which contains a magnificent natural landscape with scarce greenery around few scattered oases that supports minimal human habitation; the Toareq and their distinct culture.
In spite of this fact, climate in Libya is influenced by the enormous stretch of desert at south and the Mediterranean to the north. It takes advantage of the Mediterranean wet cool charms blowing from north, flavored by desert aridity and heat.
The coastal regions enjoy a moderate temperatures, averaging 30C (86F) in summer which is quite interesting in larger cities along the coast. But in desert areas south of Jebel Nefusa summer midday heat is unbearable and keeping to the shade is recommended as well as the use of hats and sun glasses. This may explain the unique architecture of Ghadames oasis and the troglodyte houses in Ghariyan.
Average temperature is 8C (46F) in winter which is rather cold at coastal strip, sunny and warm in desert lands though it gets rather chilly there at night. Some 380mm (15in) rain falls mainly in winter. Semi arid conditions predominate in the central plaines, while the southern deserts are subject to frequent periods of drought.
Safety
Libya is a
very safe country to travel in. It enjoys a great deal of security
and stability. Libyan people are known for being friendly, curious
and hospitable to foreigners. Travelling in Libyan Desert
represents a rewarding challenge to adventure lovers. Yet it can
be very safe and interesting to travel with expert tour operators
with proper preparations supported by desert guides and service
escorts; drivers, cooks etc.History
The
advantageous strategic location of Libya has made it a bustling
cross roads of most civilizations known. The influence, power and
sovereignty of Greek and Roman cultures have always been confined
to the coastal area. The inner stretch of Sahara desert extending
down south was dominated by the Garamants, whose ruins and relics
still evident today.General Information
1- Libya is muslim Country where arabic is the mother tongue language
2- Libyan electricity uses standard 220/240V power system (Continental European Plugs).
3- Libyan official time is GMT+2
4- Friday is the official weekend when offices and firms close yet many shopping centers stay active throughout the week.
5- Libya has one of the most rigid regulations that ban alcohol and drugs. So avoid bringing them with you when you travel to Libya.
6- Weights and Measures: Metric.
7- Currency: One Libyan Dinar = 1,000 Dirham
The same advantage of location made Libya subject to a series of colonial eras starting with the Phoenicians, the first outsiders that settle in Libya in the 8th C BC. They found the Tripolitania Leptis Magna, Oea and Sabratha. The Greek followed in the 7th BC. But after the Roman conquest of Carthage, which was also found by the Phoenicians the area of Tripolitania became a province of Rome. Other subsequent conquerors of the region were the Vandals, and the Byzantine.
In the 7th A.D the region was taken in the vast expansion of Islamic Civilization. But yet the Spanish captured Tripoli in the 16th A.D and soon handed it to the Knights of Saint John based in Malta. Who were eventually defeated by the Muslims and the area became under control of the Ottoman Empire based in Istanbul.
By the start of the 20th Century Italy took opportunity to invade Libya in 1911. Libyan resistance featuring Omar Mokhtar continued until 1931. During the war the Allies defeated the Italians and after a brief period under the British and French rule, overseen by the United Nations Libya became independent in 1951.
On September 1st 1969, Col. Muammar Al Ghadafi led Al Fateh Revolution that overthrew the monarchy regime. And on March 2nd 1977 Jamahiriya (State of the Masses) is announced where authority is in the hands of all Libyans through People’s Congresses.