VS Libya By Andrew Crenwelge Located in northern Africa, Libya is bordered by Egypt, Sudan, Chad, Niger, Algeria, and Tunisia. Libya is currently in the middle of a civil war between authoritarian Muammar Qaddafi and rebels attempting to overthrow his regime.

Map of Libya

Sabkhat Ghuzayyail Lowest point in Libya -47 m Gaberoun Oasis Lake Highest point in Libya

Recreation Dune surfing is becoming a major sport/activity in deserts across the country. It provides a major rush of adrenaline for thrill-seekers! Libya has more than 2000 km of coastline along the Mediterranean used for relaxation at the beach

Libyan Flag(s) Flag of Libyan Republic (Rebels) Flag of the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya (Qaddafi) In the rebel’s flag, the colors are from the flag previously used during the Kingdom of Libya monarchy (1951-1969). The crescent moon and star is a common symbol used to represent Islam Qaddafi’s flag is plain green, which represents the traditional color of Islam, the state religion. It is the only one in the world with one color and no design.

Weather and Climate Libya has a very arid and dry climate, especially in the summer when temperatures can reach 1220F during the day and drop to sub-freezing at night in the desert The Mediterranean also affects the climate: cities near the coast experience rainfall in winter when the weather is cooler

Transportation Cars are the main way of transportation, and Libya has 83,000 km of highway There are no railroads There are 59 airports with paved runways, and most international flights go through Tripoli International Airport

Arts and Culture Tripoli museum has a collection of many archaeological artifacts from Libya’s history Many paintings are also included such as the one to the right Libya has retained its traditional culture and rejected Western influence

Top Languages 1. Arabic 2. Italian 3. English

Food Libyan cuisine derives much from the traditions of the Mediterranean and North Africa, with an Italian influence, from the days when Libya was an Italian colony Asida is the traditional desert

Natural Hazards Ghibli, a dust-laden southern wind lasting one to four days in spring and fall Dust storms Sandstorms

More Info The Libyan Desert covers most of Libya. It is very arid and, in some places, it only rains once ever 10 or more years! Libya has the highest literacy rate of any country in North Africa (82% of the population can read and write) It is illegal to consume alcohol in Libya Libya has no natural rivers on September 13, 1922 the town of Al 'Aziziyah, which is located Southwest of Tripoli, recorded an air temperature of 57.8 °C (136.0 °F), generally accepted as the highest recorded naturally occurring air temperature reached on Earth

Life Expectancy Total population: 77.65 years Male: 75.34 years Female: 80.08 years

Major Religion Sunni Muslim: 97% Other: 3%

Ethnic Groups Berber and Arab 97%, other 3% (includes Greeks, Maltese, Italians, Egyptians, Pakistanis, Turks, Indians, and Tunisians)

Top Imports/Exports Top 3 Imports Top 3 Exports Machinery Semi-finished goods Food Crude oil Refined petroleum products Natural gas