Libya

Libya

The Land:

Libya is the 4th largest nation on the African continent lies in north Africa between 9 degree 50'E-25 degree E longitude and 18 degree 45'N-33 degree N latitude. Archaeologists trace the 1st Libyans back to 8000 BC.Ancestors of the Berbers among the earliest people. Libya occupies 1,775,500 square Kilometers (685,521 square miles) in the center of the North African coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Libya’s coastline runs 1,820 kilometers ( 1,130 miles) . It is bordered By Egypt to the east, Sudan to the south-east, Chad and Niger to the south with Algeria and Tunisia to the west and north-west respectively . Libya has a population of about 5 million , the capital city being Tarabulus (Tripoli).

Climate:

Throughout Libya the climate is hot and dry. In the north, however, steady southern breezes from the Mediterranean Sea help moderate temperatures throughout the year. The coastal city of Tripoli averages 11 C (52 F) in January, the coldest month, and 32 C (90 F) in July, the hottest month. But high temperatures in Tripoli and in other Libyan cities often break 43 C (110 F) . A special feature during spring and autumn is the "ghibli" which is a hot, very dry, sand laden wind which can raise the temperatures in a matter of hours to between 40 degree C and 45 C degree (104 and 113F). The highest temperature ever recorded on earth, 58.7 C (137.7 F), scorched Al-Azizyah, a town a bout 40 Km (25 miles) south of Tripoli, in 1922. Rainfall is usually erratic but averages between 40 and 50 cm (16 and 20 in) annually on the Binghazi and Tarabulus (Tripoli) , but less than 20 cm (8 in) fall in the south which also suffers from occasional droughts.

Early History:

From the 8th century BC onwards Libya has been conquered and settled several times over. Its archaeological heritage includes both Greek and Roman remains. Present-day Libyans descend almost entirely from the Arabian incursion of the 11th century AD, with Touareg from the south and Berbers in the west. Though traditionally the rural people have been nomadic shepherds, since the discovery of oil there has been a drift into the towns.

Government:

In 1975 the General National Congress of Arab Socialist Union was formed. In 1976 it became the General People’s Congress comprising of 618 members, people’s congresses and popular committees, trade unions and professional associations. In 1977 the country was officially named "The Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya", and the council of Ministers was replaced by the General People’s Committee with 21 members who were each a Secretary of State. During the early part of 1979, Colonel Gaddafi resigned from his post as Secretary General , he still remained as Libya’s main representative of the people.

Economy:

Before the discovery of oil during the 1950’s, Libya was a poor agricultural society with large trade deficits. During the 1960’s the gross national product increased from 163 million LD to 909 million LD., most of which came from oil exports which accounted for 51% of the gross domestic product. By the mid 1970’s the G.N.P. has risen to 3,500 million L.D and today there is still a healthy foreign trade surplus with an average annual G.N.P. of 3,000 million L.D.

Tourism:

Libya's tourism sector is the country's fastest growing. The largest number of foreign tourists came from Germany, followed by Italy, Spain, and Switzerland. With some of the best preserved Roman ruins in the world, The three most important being Sabratah, with its scenic theatre, Leptis Magna, and Shahhat. There are also several sites at Germa in the south, as will as a number of museums of interest to tourists. Libyan tourism is on the rise, considered an exotic vacation by adventurous.

Everyday Life:

Family
Libyans place the family at the core of all their relationships. Bonds are strong among family members. The family is honored and respected, especially the elderly. Traditional Libyan households include an extended family. Some family's living arrangement may be a husband and wife, any unmarried children, and married sons with their wives and children. widowed or sisters may complete the group. .

Food
Libya is the wealthiest country in Africa with a will proper balance of vitamins and protein in their diet. Libyan food has much in common with the cuisine of other north African nations. Couscous one of the most popular dishes, is also will known in Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco.
Libyans eat their largest meal at around 2:00 PM the most common meat is used is lamb, the evening meal is a lighter fare of fruits-grapes, oranges, and cheese.

Drinks
There are plenty of locally made and imported drinks, but more popular drinks are coffee and tea. Tea is Libyan national beverage, Libyan believed to drink more tea per person than any other nation in the world. It is generally brewed very strong and served with roasted hazelnuts or peanut Tea making is a time honored ritual. The host add a portion of Red or green tea in to a boiling water in a teapot sugar and fresh mint are added. The lid of the teapot is closed, only then the conversation is resumed, only after the host have tested the tea several times to ensure quality the tea may be offered to his guest and family.

Eating customs
Libyans still eat their meals in a way that stems from Islamic custom. Before and after a meal, they say prayers and perform a ceremonial hand cleansing. It is the custom for the guest to start eating first, otherwise the eldest in the family will begin.

Forbidden Foods
Muslims all over the world have strict laws about what they may eat and drink. Alcohol is forbidden in Libya. They cannot eat meat of a pig, or any food cooked in pork fat. Animals must be killed in a certain way in order for the meat to be halal (allowed to be eaten). The animals must be facing Makkah the holy city located in Saudi Arabia, the butcher must also say a prayer three times before he kills the animal, which is killed very humanely .

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