1.8 million of Libya’s inhabitants live in the capital, Tripoli, alone.
1.8 million of Libya’s inhabitants live in the capital, Tripoli, alone. The country’s population consists of Arabs, Tebu, Tuareg and Arabised Berbers. Around 1.5 million of Libya’s total inhabitants are foreign workers. The main religion in Libya is Sunni Islam, and the official language is Arabic.
Libya’s Sights
Libya’s main attractions include numerous historic monuments that recall the country’s former cultural wealth in antiquity. Many of Libya’s historic buildings can be found, for example, in the city of Leptis Magna. This city is one of the largest ancient cities in the world and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. The Tadrart Acacus mountain range in Libya, with its thousands of rock paintings, has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.
Tripoli, the capital, has comparatively few monuments recalling the country’s ancient history. However, there are many other sights in Tripoli, such as the Gurgi Mosque, the Spanish fortress from the 16th century and the clock tower. Another popular attraction in Libya is the oasis city of Ghadames. It is often referred to as the ‘underground city’, as the old town was largely built from rammed earth and many of the alleys were covered over.
Location and Climate of Libya
Around 98 percent of Libya’s total land area is covered by the Sahara. To the east, Libya borders Egypt, to the west Tunisia and Algeria, and to the south Chad, Niger and Sudan. Libya also has a Mediterranean coastline of around 2,000 kilometres.
Libya’s coastal region has a predominantly warm Mediterranean climate. Summers are dry with daytime temperatures of up to 33°C, while winter temperatures reach up to 20°C during the day and around 10°C at night. Directly behind the coastal region begins a hot and dry desert climate zone. In some parts of the desert, temperatures can reach up to 58°C. In winter, however, temperatures average around 20°C, with cool nights averaging around 5°C.
Entry and Arrival
Libya is easily accessible via the country’s international airports. The most frequently served is Tripoli International Airport. From there, travellers can reach their destination by taxi or bus. There are also airports in Benghazi, Sebha and a smaller airport in Tripoli, Mitiga Airport. In addition, there are some ferry connections to Libya, allowing the country to be reached by ferry from Italy or Tunisia.
A tourist visa is required for entry into Libya. This is issued by Libyan embassies. Tourists also have the option of obtaining a visa through a Libyan travel agency at the airport. When entering Libya, tourists must also meet the legal requirement of carrying currency worth at least US$1,000 or, alternatively, a valid credit card upon arrival.
