North Africa.

GMT + 2.

1,775,500 sq km (685,520 sq miles).

5.8 million (UN, 2005).

3.3 per sq km.

Tripoli (Tarabulus). Population: 1.1 million (2003).

Libya consists mostly of huge areas of desert. It shares borders with Tunisia and Algeria in the west and Egypt in the east, while the Sahara extends across the southern frontiers with Niger, Chad and the Sudan. There are almost 2000km (1250 miles) of Mediterranean coast, with a low plain extending from the Tunisian border to the Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain) area in the east. Inland the terrain becomes more hilly. Agriculture has developed mainly on the coast between Zuwarah and Misratah in the west and from Marsa Susa to Benghazi in the east. In the uplands of the old province of Cyrenaica and on Jebel Akhdar the vegetation is more lush. With the exception of the ‘Sand Sea’ of the Sarir Calanscio, and the Saharan mountains of the Sarir Tibesti, there are oases scattered throughout the country.

Since 1977 Libya has officially been a Jamahiriya – a ‘state of the masses’ – in which all political power is devolved to a network of local and regional People’s Committees, Basic People’s Congresses and Revolutionary Committees. Muammar al-Gadhafi holds the title of Leader of the Revolution. Despite the formal structure of government, he retains an effective power of veto and, along with his colleagues in the Revolutionary Command Council (as was), keeps control over defence and foreign policy.

Jamahiriya (state of the masses). Gained independence from Italy in 1951. Head of State: Muammar al-Qadhafi (Leader of the Revolution) since 1969. Head of Government: Prime Minister Baghdadi Mahmudi replaced Shukri Muhammad Ghanim (Secretary of the General People’s Committee) as Prime Minister in March 2006.

Arabic (which must be used for all official purposes), with some English or Italian. All road, shop and other signs are in Arabic. English is normally understood by people working in hotels, restaurants and shops.

Sunni Muslim.

Life in Libya is regulated fairly strictly along socialist/Islamic principles; in general, Arab courtesies and social customs prevail and should be respected. Women do not generally attend typical Arab gatherings; see the World of Islam appendix for further information. In religious buildings and small towns, women should dress modestly. Beachwear must only be worn on the beach. Smoking is common and codes of practice concerning smoking are the same as in Europe. On no account must alcohol be brought into the country. Severe penalties are imposed for criticising the country, its leadership or religion. Homosexuality is considered a criminal offence and sexual relationships outside of marriage are punishable by law. Photography: It is unwise to use or carry cameras especially close to military or official sites.

220 volts AC, 40Hz. All services may be intermittently disrupted by power cuts.