GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Libya is a Muslim country, and Sunni Islam is the official religion. Arabic is the national language;
2. Libya uses standard 220/240V power system (Continental European Plugs);
3. Libyan official time is UMT+2 ;
4. Friday is the day of rest, workdays are from Sunday-Thursday, though some offices and stores may be open throughout the week;
5. Alcohol consumption is illegal in Libya.
6. Libya uses the metric system or measurement.
7. The Libyan Dinar (  often abbreviated LD) is divided into 1,000 dirhams and is the Libyan currency.Banknote denominations include 50, 20, 10, 5,1, 1/2, and 1/4 dinar. Coins are rarely used in Libya.

LOCATION

Libya is  strategucally situated in the middle of North Africa, and shares common frontiers with Egypt to the east ,Sudan to the south-east , Chad and Niger to the south and with Algeria and Tunisia to the west and northwest respectively.

CURRENCY‬

The Libya Dinar ( 1000 Dirham ) is the currency of the country. International credit cards, ATMs,and travelers cheques are not widely accepted in Libya, outside of major hotels. Cash is the best option when the passenger traveling to Libya and the favored currency Is the Euro & US dollar. The exchange rate, please note that the value of the exchange rate can fluctuate from time to time.

GEOGRAPHY

Libya is the fourth largest country in Africa with 1,760,000 sq Km and In addition to the vast stretch of Mediterranean Coastline, Libya’s two other main geographical features are Highlands and Desert. The Libyan highlands are Jabel Akhdar “Green Mountain” north east, Jabel Nafusa north west and Tibesty Mountains on the southern borders with Chad. Productive agriculture is concentrated on the coastal. Still farther south a pastoral zone of grassland gives way to the vast Sahara Desert which contains a magnificent natural landscape with scarce greenery around few scattered oases that supports minimal human habitation, the Tuareg and their distinct culture.

ELECTRICITY

Libya uses a standard 240 V power.

HEALTH

Libya poses no health risks to travelers and no vaccination is needed.

CLIMATE

Although Libya has recorded the highest temperature in the world in El Azizia region on 13/09/1922 that reached 58C (136F) breaking the previous world record in Death Valley in California USA which reached 57C (134F) recorded in 10/07/1913. In spite of this fact, climate in Libya is influenced by the enormous stretch of desert at south and the Mediterranean to the north. It takes advantage of the Mediterranean wet cool charms blowing from north, flavored by desert aridity and heat. The coastal regions enjoy a moderate temperatures, averaging 30C (86F) in summer which is quite interesting in larger cities along the coast. But in desert areas south of Jabel Nafusa summer midday heat is unbearable and keeping to the shade is recommended as well as the use of hats and sun glasses. This may explain the unique architecture of Ghadames oasis and the troglodyte houses in Gharyan Average temperature is 8C (46F) in winter which is rather cold at coastal strip, sunny and warm in desert lands though it gets rather chilly there at night. Some 380mm (15in) rain falls mainly in winter. Semi arid conditions predominate in the central Plaines, while the southern deserts are subject to frequent periods of drought.

TIME

Libya is GMT+2 plus two hours.

WORKING HOURS

Libya operates six working days a week with Friday as the official day off. Business hours are from 8:00 am 3:00 pm .

HISTORY

The advantageous strategic location of Libya has made it a bustling cross roads of most civilizations known. The influence, power and sovereignty of Greek and Roman cultures have always been confined to the coastal area. The inner stretch of Sahara desert extending down south was dominated by the Garments, whose ruins and relics still evident today. The same advantage of location made Libya subject to a series of colonial eras starting with the Phoenicians, the first outsiders that settle in Libya in the 8th C BC. They found the Tripolitania Leptis Magna, Oea and Sabrata. The Greek followed in the 7th BC. But after the Roman conquest of Carthage, which was also found by the Phoenicians the area of Tripolitania became a province of Rome. Other subsequent conquerors of the region were the Vandals, and the Byzantine. In the 7th A.D the region was taken in the vast expansion of Islamic Civilization. But yet the Spanish captured Tripoli in the 16th A.D and soon handed it to the Knights of Saint John based in Malta. Who were eventually defeated by the Muslims and the area became under control of the Ottoman Empire based in Istanbul. By the start of the 20th Century Italy took opportunity to invade Libya in 1911. Libyan resistance featuring Omar Mokhtar continued until 1931. During the war the Allies defeated the Italians and after a brief period under the British and French rule, overseen by the United Nations Libya became independent in 1951. On September 1st 1969, Col. Muammar Al Ghadafi led Al Fateh Revolution that overthrew the monarchy regime. And on March 2nd 1977 Jamahiriya (State of the Masses) is announced where authority is in the hands of all Libyans through People’s Congresses.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Libya observes all islamic holidays , in addition there are several national holidays. Holidays of which the most important are:

• Declaration of Jamahiriya 2nd March;
• Evacuation of foreign military basis 11th June;
• Alfateh revolution anniversary 1st September;
• Day of mourning 26th October .

SAFETY

Libya is a very safe cuntry to travel in. It enjoys a great deal of security and stability. Libyan people are known for being friendly, curious and hospitable to foreigners. Traveling in Libyan Desert represents a rewarding challenge to adventure lovers. Yet it can be very safe and interesting to travel with expert tour operators with proper preparations supported by desert guides and service escorts; drivers, cooks etc.

POPULATION

Libyan population numbers of around five and half million.

RELIGION

The vast majority of Libyans are Muslims.

LANGUAGE

Arabic is the official language of Libya, English is wildly spoken and to a lesser degree French and Italian.

COUNTRY AND AREA CODE

The code number of Libya is (00218) REGION CODE Tripoli 021 Benghazi 061 Misurata 051 Sirt 054 Sebha 071

MAIN CITIES

Tripoli The capital of the country and Libya has many businesses and cultures centers . Benghazi The second largest city and is situated in the eastern part of country . Sebha The largest city on the southern part of the country . Misurata A commercial city only 200 Km east of Tripoli . Sirt The administrative center of the country and is Situated on the Gulf of Sirt , the distance 400 Km east of Tripoli

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation of a good quality , which varies according to the itinerary . From 5* to 2* hotels , youth hostels ,camps and tents in the desert. Tripoli Corinthia Bab Africa hotel had opened in October 2002 5* hotels :Al Kabir – Mahari – Bab Al Baher 3* hotel: Bab Al Jaded – Al Safina Zarkaa Zliten 3* Hotel Zliten Sirt 4* hotels: Al Mahari Tobruk Hotel Al Masira 4* Benghazi Hotel: 5* Tibesty Hotel: 4* Ouzo Al Baida 3* hotels: Loulat Al Jabel - Qaser Al Baida - Aia Apollonia (Sousa) : 3* hotel Al Manara . Gharyan 3* hotels: Dar Gharyan - Al Rabta Troglodytes Houses Ghadames 3* hotels :Waha - Kafila - Bab Al Fateh - Al Nader . Sebha 3* hotels : Fezzan - Aljabel – Al Kalaa. Camp site with huts & tents , common baths and showers. Hun 3* hotel : Al Haruj Germa 3* hotel: Dar Germa. Camp sites with huts & tents , common baths and showers. Al Awinat Camp sites with huts , common baths and showers. Ghat 3* Hotel Acacus Camp sites with huts , common baths and showers. Camp sites with bungalows ,common baths and showers