Libya today: Major problems and challenges
The People's Republic of Libya or Libya for short is a North African country located at the Maghreb region (Northwest Africa) of North Africa west of the People's Republic of Egypt. Libya is the third largest country (by total land area) in all of Africa and the 17th largest country in the world with a total land area of about 1,759,549sq.km and a coastline of about 1,770km.
Libya borders the Mediterranean Sea between the Republics of Tunisia (and Algeria) in the west and Egypt in the east. Libya also shares borders with the Republic of Sudan to the southeast, the Republics of Niger and Chad to the south. Just about 1.03% of the total land area of Libya is arable (land good for farming). More than 90% of the total land area of Libya is desert or semi-desert.
The People's Republic of Libya has a population of about 6.8 million people with the population growth rate around 2%. The majority (about 78%) of the total population of Libya live in urban areas in major cities and towns such as Tripoli the capital of Libya (Tripoli contains about 1.5 million people), Benghazi (contains about 800,000 people), Misrata (contains about 300,000 people), Bayda (contains about 250,000 people), etc.
The Berber-Arabs (the most populous ethnic group) make up about 97% of the total population of Libya. Turks, Maltese, Italians, Egyptians, Pakistanis, Indians, and other minority groups make up the remaining 3% of the population.
The People's Republic of Libya is blessed with abundance of natural resources such as petroleum (Libya has the 10th largest proven oil reserves of any country in the world and the 17th highest petroleum production in the world today), natural gas, gypsum, etc. Libya has a literacy rate of 82.6% for the entire population and a female literacy rate of 72%. In other words, about 82.6% of the total population of Libya above age 15 can at least read and write which is far better than in most African countries today. The female Literacy rate of 72% is one of the highest especially in the Islamic world.
In 2009 Libya had the highest HDI (Human Development Index) in Africa and the fourth highest GDP (Gross Domestic Product) per capita in Africa, behind just 3 countries (Seychelles, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon).
Despite all these great achievements, Libya just like most other African countries today faces so many challenges including violence (especially against women and children), political instability (especially after the overthrow of the famous leader Moammar Gaddafi after 42 years in power as the head of state and head of government of Libya), poverty and discrimination (especially towards minority groups), environmental degradation (gradual deterioration of the environment caused by improper disposals of sewage, industrial wastes, etc.), desertification (the spreading of the Sahara desert), etc.
Despite Moammar Gaddafi's numerous efforts ( including the Great Manmade River Project, the largest water development scheme in the world which brings water from large aquifers under the Sahara desert to coastal cities) to help ease the country's water shortage problems, inadequate portable water remains a major issue in Libya today especially in the small villages and towns across the country.
The hot, dry and dusty climatic conditions in most parts of Libya do not favor agriculture at all. Dust storms (including the famous "sirocco" or dust-laden ghibli, a southern wind lasting one to four days especially in Spring and Fall), sandstorms, etc. continue to threaten agricultural productions in several places.
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Libya today: Major problems and challenges
- Big Oil Bids in Libya's First Exploration Tender in 18 Years - Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Trkiye rejects EU declaration over deal with Libya | Daily Sabah - Daily Sabah - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Fresh pushback from Ankara over opposition to Turkey-Libya marine borders deal - eKathimerini.com - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Egypt hosts secret talks between Sudan's Burhan and Libya's Haftar in bid to mend ties, sources say - Middle East Eye - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Libya's Energy Exploration Tender: Chevron and TotalEnergies Among Key Contenders - News and Statistics - IndexBox - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Greek PM Mitsotakis and Commissioner Brunner Discuss Curbing Migrant Flows from Libya - tovima.com - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- How LA 2028 And U.S. Security Policy Are Disrupting Global Travel: Impact On Iran, Haiti, Libya, Senegal, And Venezuela, Here Is What You Need To Know... - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Libya: Battling conditions with organic growing - Hortidaily - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Trump Advisor Boulous: Elections are the only solution to end Libyas crisis - The Libya Observer - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Oil Tanker Suffers Unexplained Blast Weeks After Russia Call - Bloomberg - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Mitsotakis Wants EU to Keep Libya from Sending Refugee Boats - The National Herald - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- No injuries or pollution after explosion at oil tanker off Libya, says Greek operator - eKathimerini.com - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- 2 Greek warships begin patrolling off Libya to prevent flow of irregular migrants - Anadolu Ajans - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Libya's economy showed recovery in 2024, remained resilient despite reliance on hydrocarbons and ongoing political and security instability: World... - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Belarusian PM to Hammad: Minsk eyes cooperation with Libya in agriculture, industry, and healthcare - The Libya Observer - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Libya rejects European interference in maritime agreement with Turkey - The Arab Weekly - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- The Prime Minister of Eastern Libya threatens Greece - - Greek City Times - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Three Libyan companies win awards in Athens International Olive Oil Competition - Libya Herald - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Explosion Reported on Crude Tanker Off the Coast of Libya - The Maritime Executive - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Libyan and Omani Economy Ministers meet agree to activate several existing agreements and hold a business forum - Libya Herald - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Libya, Trkiye defend deal as Greece sustains objection | Daily Sabah - Daily Sabah - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Greece deploys 3 warships in the Eastern Mediterranean between Turkey and Libya - The Libya Observer - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Economy Ministry warns against speculation on the Dinar, assures gradual stability of exchange market - The Libya Observer - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Libyan Italian Forum concludes with the signing of 98 MoUs - Libya Herald - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Greek Political Tensions Resurface Over Turkey-Libya Pact - Greek City Times - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- UN urges renewed political and climate action in Libya amid humanitarian and governance crises - africanews.com - June 26th, 2025 [June 26th, 2025]
- Warehouse fire and explosion in Ajkharrah injures 18 - The Libya Observer - June 26th, 2025 [June 26th, 2025]
- Pakistan urges all stakeholders in divided Libya to address outstanding issues through dialogue - Associated Press of Pakistan - June 26th, 2025 [June 26th, 2025]
- Libya, Turkey sign MoU on offshore areas, Athens reiterates rejection - eKathimerini.com - June 26th, 2025 [June 26th, 2025]
- Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on Libya - United States Mission to the United Nations (.gov) - June 26th, 2025 [June 26th, 2025]
- Pakistan urges continued intl support for peace in Libya - RADIO PAKISTAN - June 26th, 2025 [June 26th, 2025]
- Greece to deploy frigates off Libya to curb increased migrant flows, PM says - Reuters - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Libya's Al-Khadim airbase becomes a hub for Russian arms in the Sahel - RFI - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Greek Navy Deploys Warships To Thwart Surge Of Migrant Vessels Off Libya - Marine Insight - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- MSF remains ready to resume medical activities in Libya - MSF - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Greek Navy Sending Refugee Hunting Patrols Near Libya - The National Herald - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- New appointments for Stability Support Apparatus and Judicial Police Authority - The Libya Observer - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Greece plans to deploy navy ships off Libya to 'send a message' to migrant smugglers - MSN - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- CBL penalizes three banks over unauthorized customer fees - The Libya Observer - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Analyst doubts impact of Berlin talks on Libya - Libyan Express - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- General Authority for Exhibitions discusses strengthening cooperation with Turkey - The Libya Observer - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Qatar reaffirms commitment to work with partners to achieve peace in Libya - The Peninsula Qatar - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Libya's parallel government rejects Greeces drilling moves in the Mediterranean - The Libya Observer - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- At least 60 people feared dead after shipwrecks off the coast of Libya - Al Jazeera - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- IOM Reports 60 Migrants Missing in Two Deadly Shipwrecks off Libya - International Organization for Migration - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Russias Potential Withdrawal from Syria and Pivot to Libya - New Lines Institute - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Soccer fans storm field in Libya and a Portuguese referee is injured during a suspended match - Houston Chronicle - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Gaza-bound activist convoy retreats to Misrata after being blocked in east Libya - France 24 - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Libya : Moscow fears being excluded from the Berlin process - Africa Intelligence - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Tunisia calls for stronger ties with Libya and Algeria - Libyan Express - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Activists stopped in Libya and Egypt ahead of planned march to protest Gaza blockade - The Times of Israel - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- UN envoy: Hate speech threatens Libyas unity and stability - The Libya Observer - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Libya is without justice, peace and a functioning state - Arab News - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- At least 60 people feared missing in two deadly shipwrecks off Libya, IOM says - Yahoo - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Injustice By Design: Need for Comprehensive Justice Reform in Libya - Human Rights Watch - June 4th, 2025 [June 4th, 2025]
- Tripoli Just Flipped: Why the U.S. Cant Afford to Miss This Moment in Libya - Middle East Forum - June 4th, 2025 [June 4th, 2025]
- Mi-26s and T-62s: What Russia's military backing of Haftar means for Libya - AL-Monitor - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Libyan political parties call for inclusive political process - The Libya Observer - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Libya protesters call on PM to quit in third weekly march - The New Arab - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Libyan ambassador checks on community in Alexandria after storm - The Libya Observer - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Two summits for Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia on Libya before end of year - The Libya Observer - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- 11 Sudanese migrants killed in a car crash in the Libya desert, authorities say - ABC News - May 30th, 2025 [May 30th, 2025]
- Libya Arrests Three for Storming NOC Amid Threats to Oil Supply - Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com - May 30th, 2025 [May 30th, 2025]
- France supports the renewal of the arms embargo on Libya - France ONU - May 30th, 2025 [May 30th, 2025]
- Libya's Eastern Government Warns Of Force Majeure on Oil Ports and Fields - Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com - May 30th, 2025 [May 30th, 2025]
- Turkey's strategy towards Libya: analysis of regional dynamics and future perspectives - - iari.site - May 30th, 2025 [May 30th, 2025]
- Libya's eastern-based government says it may announce force majeure on oil fields, ports - Reuters - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Haftar vows military will have final say at key moments - The Libya Observer - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Sharing influence in Libya, Russia and Turkey work for calm after Haftars threats - The Arab Weekly - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Tripoli Just Flipped: Why the US Cant Afford to Miss This Moment in Libya - The Times of Israel - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Libya mandates underwater hull inspections - safety4sea - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- For King and BP: How Britains MI6 infiltrated Libya to plunder its oil resources - PressTV - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- PC advisor: Forming new authority in Libya could lead to war - The Libya Observer - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Russia, Turkey to use their influence to prevent renewed fighting in Libya - The Libya Observer - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- National Oil Corporation denies storming of its headquarters in Tripoli - The Libya Observer - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- HoR Speaker says delay in forming new government will lead to chaos - The Libya Observer - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Libya: Sudanese human rights defender disappeared and under imminent threat of forced return - Amnesty International - May 26th, 2025 [May 26th, 2025]
- Can the UN bridge the political divide in Libya? - BBC - May 26th, 2025 [May 26th, 2025]
- Libya: Technical Assistance Report-Workshop on Tax Administration Digitalization in Fragile and Conflict-Affected States - International Monetary Fund - May 26th, 2025 [May 26th, 2025]
- Libya Faces Another Wave of Violence - ISPI - May 26th, 2025 [May 26th, 2025]