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Demography:
- Population: 5.9 Million
- Population Density: 3.13 per Km2
Major Cities: Tripoli Situated in the north west of Libya, the capital
accounts for more than 2 million residents of which
one third are foreigners. Having the largest port
and being the country's commercial hub, Tripoli is
also Libya's industrial (agricultural/food products,
textiles, building materials) and education centre.
Benghazi
Situated in the north east of Libya, Benghazi
accounts for 850,000 residents. Centre of an
agricultural region where the trade is dominated by
the commerce of cereals, dates, and wool. The port's
activity is mainly dedicated to the fishing of Tuna
and sponges.
Other Cities
- Misurata: 500,000 residents
- Zwara: 400,000 residents
- Sebha: 300,000 residents
- Al Khoms: 330,000 residents
Official
Language
Arabic is the official language with three
distinctive dialects:
- Cyrenaican dialect; related to the Arab
Alexandrian dialect
- Tripolitanian dialect; similar to the South
Tunisian dialect
- Fezzani Dialect; closer to classical Arabic
(notably that of Khartoum) and
which is similar to the Bedouin dialects (Saidi of
Egypt and Hassania of Mauritania).
English is the common business language, yet Italian
is still widely spoken, especially among senior
citizens. French language is hardly ever spoken
except within the foreign communities living in
Libya and with Libyans having lived abroad. It is
noticed that Libyan youth express curiosity and
interest in the French language.
Religion
The official religion in Libya is Islam. Libyans are
all Sunni Muslims of the Maleki rite. Since 1970,
alcohol is strictly forbidden in Libya. Its
consumption is a judicial crime that carries prison
terms. There are approximately 100,000 Christians
(foreign community) living in Libya. It is possible
to practice Catholicism (two churches are available,
one in Tripoli and the other in Benghazi),
Protestant (one Anglican church) and Orthodox (one
Greek-Orthodox church).
Economical and Political Situation
Gross national product (GNP): 30 Billion U.S.
Dollars.
National currency: Libyan Dinar (LYD).
Exchange rate EUR vs. LYD: In March 2005, the
official exchange rate was 1 Libyan Dinar to 0.60
euro. However, for cash (bank notes) exchanges, the
rate would be 1 Libyan Dinar to 0.66 euro.
Climate
The climate is humid and can be very hot in summer
on the entire coastal region from Tripolitania to
Cyrenaica. In the southern regions, the climate is
dry and extremely hot. On the coastal areas,
considerable temperature fluctuations can be noted
during the same day; whirlwinds coming from the sea
or from the southern regions can decrees or elevate
temperature levels by a substantial number of
degrees within a few hours. Generally, Libya has
cold winters and indoor heating is necessary from
December through March. During summer, temperatures
in Tripoli and Benghazi reach 40° to 45° Celsius
with a humidity level ranging between 75% and 95%.
Like all Mediterranean countries of Africa, Libya
experiences southern winds called “Ghiblis”. These
winds blow for several days and mostly appear in
Spring, Summer and sometimes in Autumn.
Unfortunately, the Ghibli causes much damage and
destruction to cultivation due to the dryness it
imposes and the sand it carries. During a Ghibli,
humidity levels can drop down to 10% and
temperatures can reach 40° Celsius.
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