Libya is located in the northern part of Africa, just south of the Mediterranean Sea. Libya shares borders with Algeria, Niger, Chad, Sudan, and Egypt. Most of the country is covered by the Sahara Desert and it is extremely hot. In southern Libya during the summer, temperatures quickly climb above 50 degrees Celsius.
Quick Facts
Population: 6.755 million
Ethnic Groups: Berber and Arab (97%), Other (3%)
Languages: Arabic (Official), Italian, English, Berber
Religions: Muslim (Official; virtually all Sunni) (96.6%), Christian (2.7%), Buddhist (0.3%), Hindu (<0.1%), Jewish (<0.1%), Folk Religion (<0.1%), Unaffiliated (0.2%), Other (<0.1%)
Capital: Tripoli
CIA: The World Factbook — Last Updated December 27, 2019
Libyans in Canada
Libyan Population in Canada
7,740
Useful Links
Like many nations in this area of the world, Libya is oil rich but has experienced political turmoil. American-led economic sanctions had damaging effects on Libya’s economy, but the sanctions were dropped in 2003 when Libya ended its weapons program. The economy has since been accelerating, and the quality of life in Libya has improved. The typical Libyan family lives in an apartment building, and as of 2006, there were 4 million mobile phones being used in the country. Sunni Islam is the state religion, and Islam has a significant impact on the way of life in Libya. For example, Muslims pray five times every day, and alcohol is banned (in accordance with Islamic teaching). Although Christians are not allowed to evangelize, they are usually left alone. Libyans are allowed to worship in their own homes, and a Catholic church has been built in the city of Benghazi.
- Central Intelligence Agency. (2019, December 16). The World Factbook: Libya. Retrieved December 27, 2019, from https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/libya/
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