Libya: Statistical Overview

Total Population: 6,812,341

Natural Increase: 1.1%

Density: 4 Inhabitants/km²

Urban Population: 81.3%

Population of main cities (including suburbs): Tripoli (940,700); Benghazi (562,100); Misratah (502,700); Murqub (448,300); Jafara (443,800)

Ethnic Origins: About 89% is Arab and/or Berber. The country has a very large majority of Arabs, a few Tuaregs (essentially in the Fezzan, along the border with Algeria and Niger) and a minority that identifies as Berber (in the Djebel Nefusa and at Zwara). (Bureau of Statistics and Census Libya)

Official Language: Arabic

Other Languages Spoken: English, Italian.

Business Language(s): English

Religion: Sunni Muslims (97% of the population).

Literacy Rate: 84.2%

Area: 1,759,540 km²

Type of State: The legal system in post-revolution Libya is undergoing constant change, influenced by both governmental and non-governmental entities.

Type of Economy: Upper-middle-income economy dependent on the hydrocarbon sector. The country is in economic transition..
Since 1999, the Libyan authorities have aimed at making the Libyan economy more efficient through a policy of opening up and liberalization which benefits the private sector and investment. Libya is currently facing a political transition which affects its economy.

HDI*: 0.724/1

HDI (World Rank): 94/188

Telephone Code:
To call from Libya, dial 00
To call Libya, dial +218

Internet Suffix: .ly

Telephone Lines: 12.6 per 100 Inhabitants

Internet Users: 19.9 per 100 Inhabitants

Access to Electricity: 100% of the Population