Libya was historically part of the Carthaginian, Roman, and Ottoman empires before becoming an Italian colony. It gained independence in 1951 and was later ruled by Muammar Gaddafi until 2011. Since his overthrow, Libya has struggled with political instability and conflict despite its significant oil resources.
Libya, officially the State of Libya, is a country in North Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Egypt to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Chad and Niger to the south, and Algeria and Tunisia to the west. Covering an area of approximately 1.76 million square kilometers, Libya is the fourth-largest country in Africa and the 16th-largest in the world. It has a population of about 6.8 million people as of 2023. The capital and largest city is Tripoli. The official language is Arabic. Libya operates as a unitary provisional government following years of civil conflict. The economy is heavily reliant on oil, possessing the largest proven oil reserves in Africa. Libya is known for its vast desert landscapes and ancient historical sites, including those from the Roman and Greek eras. The country is a member of international organizations such as the United Nations, the African Union, and the Arab League.
