Country Profile: Libya

Libya, located in Northern Africa along the Mediterranean Sea, is characterized by its vast desert landscapes and has a population of approximately 7.4 million people. The country’s economy is largely driven by its extensive oil and natural gas resources, which make up a significant portion of its GDP. Governance has been marked by instability following the 2011 civil war, leading to a fragmented political landscape with rival governments attempting to assert control.

Geography

Libya's geographical features encompass a vast area of 1,759,540 sq km, mostly consisting of desert and semi-desert regions, with the majority of its population concentrated along the Mediterranean coast. The country is bordered by several nations, including Egypt and Tunisia, and has a coastline of 1,770 km.

Area: 1,759,540 sq km
Land boundaries: 4,339 km
Climate: Mediterranean coastal climate; dry, extreme desert interior
Natural resources: Petroleum, natural gas, gypsum
Highest point: Bikku Bitti 2,267 m
Population distribution: Over 90% reside along the coast

People and Society

Libya has an estimated population of 7,361,263 as of 2024, with a demographic comprised mainly of Arabs and Amazigh. The country’s official language is Arabic, with Italian and English also widely understood in major cities. The population is predominantly Muslim, with 96.6% of citizens identifying as Sunni.

Population: 7,361,263 (2024 est.)
Urbanization: 81.6% of the total population lives in urban areas (2023)
Ethnic groups: 97% Arab and Amazigh
Languages: Arabic (official), Italian, English
Life expectancy: 77.7 years (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 51.1% (2024 est.)

Economy

Libya's economy is classified as upper middle-income and primarily fossil fuel-based, significantly impacted by oil production fluctuations and global market conditions. The country's real GDP is estimated at $90.609 billion for 2024, with a real GDP per capita of $12,300. The economy faced a contraction due to the COVID-19 pandemic and an oil blockade in 2020.

GDP: $90.609 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate: 18.7% (2024 est.)
Public debt: 7.5% of GDP (2016 est.)
Exports: $37.753 billion (2023 est.)
Imports: $33.284 billion (2023 est.)
Industrial production growth rate: -5.8% (2024 est.)

Government

The governance of Libya is currently in transition, with the Government of National Unity (GNU) established to unify the country after years of civil strife. The primary governing structures involve a chief of state and a head of government, both appointed amidst complex political negotiations. Libya has undergone significant political turmoil since the overthrow of Muammar Qadhafi in 2011, with ongoing efforts to establish a stable electoral framework.

Government type: In transition
Capital: Tripoli
Administrative divisions: 22 governorates
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age
Constitution: A draft was approved in 2017 but is not yet ratified
Next expected election: December 2026

Military and Security

Libya's military landscape is marked by the presence of two primary forces: the Tripoli-based GNU Armed Forces and the eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA). Both have varying control over military units and equipment, heavily influenced by foreign military support from nations such as Turkey and Russia. The ongoing UN-imposed arms embargo further complicates military dynamics.

Military forces control: GNU; LNA
Military equipment: Primarily Russian/Soviet origin
Marine capabilities: Extensive coast guard operations
Internal security forces: Under both Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior
Military expenditures: Not available
Key external support: Turkey supports GNU, while Egypt, Russia, and UAE support LNA (2025)

Energy

Libya possesses significant energy resources, with petroleum production at approximately 1.245 million bbl/day and a consumption of 207,000 bbl/day for refined products. The country relies entirely on fossil fuels for its electricity, with an installed generating capacity of 10.519 million kW as of 2023.

Total petroleum production: 1.245 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
Natural gas production: 11.16 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Electricity access: 70% of the population (2022 est.)
Crude oil reserves: 48.363 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Electricity consumption: 28.826 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita: 100.844 million Btu/person (2023 est.)

Environment

Libya faces several environmental challenges, including desertification and limited freshwater resources. The environmental impact from urban waste and oil byproducts poses threats to coastal ecosystems. Libya is a party to multiple international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.

Environmental issues: Desertification; water pollution
Urban population: 81.6% of total population (2023)
CO2 emissions: 46.479 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 700 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 2.148 million tons (2024 est.)
Climate agreements: Biodiversity, Climate Change, and others

Transportation

Libya has an evolving transportation infrastructure, including 75 airports and a merchant marine fleet of 96 vessels. The country's ports serve as critical gateways for both commercial and energy-related activities.

Airports: 75 (2025)
Merchant marine total: 96 (2023)
Ports: 14 total, with 10 having oil terminals
Civil aircraft registration: Code prefix 5A
Key ports include: Tripoli, Benghazi, and Al Burayqah

Communications

Libya's communications sector shows a significant embrace of technology with high mobile cellular subscriptions. Approximately 89% of the population uses the internet as of 2023, indicating a trend towards greater connectivity.

Internet users: 89% of the population (2023 est.)
Mobile cellular subscriptions: 13.9 million (2022 est.)
Fixed-line subscriptions: 1.218 million (2022 est.)
Broadband fixed subscriptions: 326,000 (2022 est.)
Telecommunications: Both state-funded and private entities operate in the media landscape

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	7,361,263 (2024 est.)
Area	1,759,540 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$90.609 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate	18.7% (2024 est.)
Electricity access	70% (2022 est.)
Life expectancy	77.7 years (2024 est.)
Total petroleum production	1.245 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
Natural gas production	11.16 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Urban population	81.6% (2023 est.)
Total water withdrawal	700 million cubic meters (2022 est.)