Country Profile: Libya

Libya is a country located in North Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and neighboring Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria. Covering an area of 1,759,540 square kilometers, it is primarily a desert nation with over 90% of its population residing along the Mediterranean coast. The economy heavily relies on fossil fuels, while the country is governed in a transitional state marked by ongoing political discord and attempts to establish a stable government. The population is estimated at 7.36 million, with a predominantly young demographic characterized by diverse cultural influences.

Geography

Libya is situated in Northern Africa and has a Mediterranean coastline that stretches for 1,770 kilometers. Its geographical landscape features mostly barren plains, plateaus, and depressions, with more than 90% of the area being desert or semidesert. The country has significant natural resources, predominantly petroleum and natural gas.

Area: 1,759,540 sq km
Coastline: 1,770 km
Highest Point: Bikku Bitti at 2,267 m
Lowest Point: Sabkhat Ghuzayyil at -47 m
Natural Hazards: Dust storms and sandstorms

People and Society

Libya's population is approximately 7.36 million, with a majority of Berber and Arab descent. The country has a high urbanization rate, with around 81.6% of the population living in urban areas. The official language is Arabic, and Islam is the predominant religion. The population is relatively young, with a median age of 26.2 years.

Population (2024 est.): 7,361,263
Urban Population: 81.6% of total population (2023)
Birth Rate: 20.3 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy: 77.7 years (2024 est.)
Infant Mortality Rate: 10.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)

Economy

Libya boasts an upper middle-income, fossil fuel-dependent economy. The country faced a significant economic contraction of 31% during the COVID-19 pandemic and an oil blockade. The GDP for 2024 is estimated at $90.609 billion, with a substantial portion of government spending allocated to public wages.

GDP (PPP): $90.609 billion (2024 est.)
GDP per Capita: $12,300 (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 18.7% (2024 est.)
Industry Sector: 68.3% of GDP (2024 est.)
Agricultural Contribution to GDP: 1.7% (2024 est.)

Government

Libya is currently in a transitional governance phase, and its legal system is influenced by various state and non-state actors. The political landscape has been shaped by the aftermath of the QADHAFI regime and ongoing civil strife, with multiple governance attempts over recent years.

Government Type: In transition
Capital: Tripoli
Constitution: A draft constitution exists but has not yet been ratified
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years
Last Scheduled Presidential Election: December 24, 2021 (not held)

Military and Security

The Libyan military comprises the armed forces aligned with the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA). The GNU forces include a mix of tribal militias, volunteers, and foreign contractors, reflecting the fragmented nature of Libya's security environment.

Military Forces: Ground, air, and naval/coast guard units exist under GNU control.
Military Equipment: Largely of Russian or Soviet origin.
Arms Embargo: Libya is under a UN-imposed arms embargo.

Energy

Libya is rich in energy resources, particularly fossil fuels, with the oil sector being a major revenue source for the nation. In 2023, the country produced 1.245 million barrels of oil per day. The electricity generation is solely from fossil fuels, and access to electricity remains an ongoing issue.

Total Oil Production: 1.245 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity Access: 70% of the total population (2022 est.)
Natural Gas Production: 11.16 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Proven Oil Reserves: 48.363 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 46.479 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)

Environment

Libya faces several environmental challenges including desertification, water pollution, and limited natural freshwater resources. The country is a party to various international environmental agreements aiming to address these issues.

Agricultural Land Use: 8.7% (2022 est.)
Water Resources Withdrawal: 4.85 billion cubic meters for agriculture (2020 est.)
Renewable Water Resources: 700 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
Urbanization Rate: 1.45% (estimated 2020-2025)
Environmental Agreements: Party to Kyoto Protocol and Biodiversity agreement.

Transportation

Libya has a modest transportation infrastructure that includes 75 airports and a total of 14 ports, with several key ports accommodating oil terminals. The transportation network is essential for the movement of goods, particularly hydrocarbons.

Airports: 75 (2025)
Merchant Marine Fleet: 96 vessels (2023)
Ports: 14 total, including 10 with oil terminals
Rail and Road Networks: Limited rail, extensive road networks in urban areas.

Communications

Telecommunication in Libya includes a mix of fixed lines and mobile cellular subscriptions, with a significant proportion of the population having access to the internet. The communication infrastructure has been developing, but challenges remain.

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 13.9 million (2022 est.)
Internet Users: 89% of the population (2023 est.)
Telephones - Fixed Lines: 1.218 million subscriptions (2022 est.)
Broadband - Fixed Subscriptions: 326,000 (2022 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	7,361,263	2024 estimate
Area	1,759,540 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$90.609 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	18.7%	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	20.3 births/1,000	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy at Birth	77.7 years	2024 estimate
Total Oil Production	1.245 million bbl/day	2023 estimate
Electricity Access	70%	2022 estimate
Urban Population	81.6%	2023 estimate
Total Energy Consumption per Capita	100.844 million Btu/person	2023 estimate