Facts about the country of Libya

The Maghreb region in North Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Egypt to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Chad to the south, Niger to the southwest, Algeria to the west, and Tunisia to the northwest.

Total population estimated at about 7 million (mostly Arabs)

About 1.8 million square kilometers (the fourth largest country in Africa and the Arab world)

The city of Tripoli is the capital, the seat of government, and the location of major commercial and financial institutions. More than half of the population lives in Tripoli. The city is a large cultural center containing many museums and education centres.

Unitary Republic (provisional national unity government)

Islam is the official religion of the state and Sharia is the basis for all legislation in accordance with the Constitution of the State of Qatar. The state hosts large numbers of followers of other religions.

Arabic is the official language in the country, and English is widely used as a second language.