Moving to Libya: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

6,890,535

Population - note

note: immigrants make up just over 12% of the total population, according to UN data

Population Growth Rate

4.85%

Urban Population

77.700000

Population in Major Urban Areas

TRIPOLI (capital) 1.127 million

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Age Structure

26.170000

Median Age

27.100000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

19

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

3.56

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

2.09

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.050000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

33.32

Ethnic Groups

Berber and Arab 97%, Greeks, Maltese, Italians, Egyptians, Pakistanis, Turks, Indians, Tunisians

Nationality Noun

Libyan(s)

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Literacy - total population

82.6%

Literacy - male

92.4%

Literacy - female

72%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

16.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

75.830000

Infant Mortality Rate

12.260000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

12.260000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

58

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

1.9

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

3.7

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

4.4%

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

27.8%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

54.200000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

96.800000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

5.6%

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Economic Overview

Libya's economy, almost entirely dependent on oil and gas exports, has struggled since 2014 given security and political instability, disruptions in oil production, and decline in global oil prices.

The Libyan dinar has lost much of its value since 2014 and the resulting gap between official and black market exchange rates has spurred the growth of a shadow economy and contributed to inflation.

The country suffers from widespread power outages, caused by shortages of fuel for power generation.

Living conditions, including access to clean drinking water, medical services, and safe housing have all declined since 2011.

Oil production in 2017 reached a five-year high, driving GDP growth, with daily average production rising to 879,000 barrels per day.

However, oil production levels remain below the average pre-Revolution highs of 1.6 million barrels per day.

The Central Bank of Libya continued to pay government salaries to a majority of the Libyan workforce and to fund subsidies for fuel and food, resulting in an estimated budget deficit of about 17% of GDP in 2017.

Low consumer confidence in the banking sector and the economy as a whole has driven a severe liquidity shortage.

Industries

petroleum, food processing, textiles, handicrafts, cement

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$15,100.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

-6.1%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$70,650,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$15,100.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

-6.1%

GDP - official exchange rate

$29,720,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 80% government
• consumption: 21.8% investment in fixed
• capital: 4.1% investment in
• inventories: 0.8% exports of goods and
• services: 27.3% imports of goods and
• services: -34%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

1.8%

GDP by Sector- Industry

40.2%

GDP by Sector- services

58%

Industrial Growth Rate

2.7%

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Inflation Rate

3%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

Libyan dinar (LYD)

Currency Name and Code

Lybian Dinar (LYD)

Fiscal Year

calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

6%

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Labor Force

1,729,000

Unemployment Rate

30%

Major Industries

petroleum, food processing, textiles, handicrafts, cement

Agriculture Products

wheat, barley, olives, dates, citrus, vegetables, peanuts, soybeans; cattle

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

17%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

23%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

59%

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Annual Budget

$42,310,000,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

8%

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-0.5%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

58.6%

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Full Country Name

State of Libya

Country Name

Libya

Local - Long

Dawiat Libiya

Local - Short

Libiya

Etymology- history of name

name derives from the Libu, an ancient Libyan tribe first mentioned in texts from the 13th century B.C.

Independence

24 December 1951 (from UN trusteeship)

National Holiday

Liberation Day, 23 October (2011)

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Government Type

in transition

Constitution

• history: previous 1951, 1977
• in July 2017, the Constitutional Assembly completed and approved a draft of a new permanent constitution
• in September 2018, the House of Representatives passed a constitutional referendum law in a session with contested reports of the quorum needed to pass the vote, and submitted it to the High National Elections Commission in December to begin preparations for a constitutional referendum
• the referendum is planned in 2022, following the presidential election

Legal System:

Libya's post-revolution legal system is in flux and driven by state and non-state entities

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: Chairman, Presidential Council, Mohammed Al MENFI (since 5 February 2021)
• head of government: Interim Prime Minister Abdul Hamid DUBAYBAH (since 5 February 2021)
• elections/appointments: Libya’s first direct presidential election, scheduled for 24 December 2021, was not held

Legislative Branch:

• Description: unicameral House of Representatives (Majlis Al Nuwab) or HoR (200 seats including 32 reserved for women; members directly elected by majority vote; member term NA);
• Note: the High State Council serves as an advisory group for the HoR
• Elections: last held on 25 June 2014
• Election Results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; composition;
• Note: only 188 of the 200 seats were filled in the June 2014 election because of boycotts and lack of security at some polling stations; some elected members of the HoR also boycotted the election

Judicial Branch:

• highest court(s): Libya's judicial system consists of a supreme court, central high courts (in Tripoli, Benghazi, and Sabha), and a series of lower courts
• the judicial system is factious given the ongoing tension between Libya's eastern and western regions
• since 2011, Libyan political factions and armed groups have targeted judges and courthouses

Regions or States:

22 governorates (muhafazah, singular - muhafazat); Al Butnan, Al Jabal al Akhdar, Al Jabal al Gharbi, Al Jafarah, Al Jufrah, Al Kufrah, Al Marj, Al Marqab, Al Wahat, An Nuqat al Khams, Az Zawiyah, Banghazi (Benghazi), Darnah, Ghat, Misratah, Murzuq, Nalut, Sabha, Surt, Tarabulus (Tripoli), Wadi al Hayat, Wadi ash Shati

Political Parties and Leaders:

• NA

Suffrage:

18 years of age, universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: at least one parent or grandparent must be a citizen of Libya dual citizenship
• recognized: no residency requirement for
• naturalization: varies from 3 to 5 years

Capital Name

Tripoli (Tarabulus)

Capital - geographic coordinate

32 53 N, 13 10 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• ABEDA
• AfDB
• AFESD
• AMF
• AMU
• AU
• BDEAC
• CAEU
• COMESA
• FAO
• G-77
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICC (NGOs)
• ICRM
• IDA
• IDB
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• IMSO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• IPU
• ISO
• ITSO
• ITU
• LAS
• LCBC
• MIGA
• NAM
• OAPEC
• OIC
• OPCW
• OPEC
• PCA
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNHRC
• UNIDO
• UNSMIL
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO (observer)

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Jeremy BERNDT (since 9 October 2023)
• Embassy: operations suspended
• Mailing Address: 8850 Tripoli Place, Washington, DC 20521-8850
• Telephone: [216] 71-107-000
• Email: Webmaster_Libya@state.gov
• Website: https://ly.usembassy.gov/
• Note: the US Embassy in Tripoli closed in July 2014 due to Libyan civil unrest; embassy staff and operations currently are located at US Embassy Tunis, Tunisia

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Fadil S M OMAR (since 17 July 2023)
• Chancery: 1460 Dahlia Street NW, Washington, DC 20012
• Telephone: [1] (202) 944-9601
• FAX: [1] (202) 944-9606
• Email: info@embassyoflibyadc.com
• Website: https://www.embassyoflibyadc.org/

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Geographic Location

Africa

Geographic Coordinates

25 00 N, 17 00 E

Total Area

679,358 Square Miles 1,759,540 Square Kilometers

Land Area

679,358 Square Miles 1,759,540 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

2,702 Miles 4,348 Kilometers

Border Countries

Algeria 982 km, Chad 1,055 km, Egypt 1,115 km, Niger 354 km, Sudan 383 km, Tunisia 459 km

Coastline

1,100 Miles 1,770 Kilometers

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Terrain

mostly barren, flat to undulating plains, plateaus, depressions

Highest Point

2,267 Meters

Highest Point Location

Bikku Bitti 2,267 m

Lowest Point

-47 Meters

Lowest Point Location

Sabkhat Ghuzayyil -47 m

Natural Resources

petroleum, natural gas, gypsum

Irrigated Land

1,815 Square Miles 4,700 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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Climate

Mediterranean along coast; dry, extreme desert interior

Terrain

mostly barren, flat to undulating plains, plateaus, depressions

Location

Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria

Total Area

679,358 Square Miles 1,759,540 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Algeria 982 km, Chad 1,055 km, Egypt 1,115 km, Niger 354 km, Sudan 383 km, Tunisia 459 km

Environment - Current Issues

• desertification
• very limited natural fresh water resources
• the Great Manmade River Project, the largest water development scheme in the world, is being built to bring water from large aquifers under the Sahara to coastal cities

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

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Exports

$44,890,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$24,470,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

crude oil, refined petroleum products

Major Imports

machinery, transport equipment, food, manufactured goods

Top Export Partners

Italy 42.8%, Germany 14.1%, Spain 13.6%, Turkey 6.9%

Top Import Partners

Italy 25.4%, Germany 9.9%, South Korea 6.5%, UK 6.5%, Tunisia 6.4%, Japan 6.3%, France 5.7%

Export Partners

Italy 42.8%, Germany 14.1%, Spain 13.6%, Turkey 6.9%

Import Partners

Italy 25.4%, Germany 9.9%, South Korea 6.5%, UK 6.5%, Tunisia 6.4%, Japan 6.3%, France 5.7%

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Country Description

Libya witnessed a popular uprising against the regime of Colonel Muammar Qadhafi that lasted from February to October 2011 and included fighting throughout the country.

Libyans cast ballots July 7, 2012 in elections deemed to be free and fair according to election observers.

Libya’s General National Congress replaced the Transitional National Council in August 2012 and will lead the country until elections are held on the basis of a new constitution.

Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the conservative foundation of the country's customs, laws, and practices.

On September 11-12, 2012, armed extremists attacked the U.S. facilities in Benghazi, killing four U.S. government personnel, including Ambassador J.

Christopher Stevens.

Due to the current security situation, the ability of the U.S.

Embassy in Tripoli to provide consular services to U.S. citizens in Libya is extremely limited, especially outside of Tripoli.

Safety & Security

The security situation in Libya remains unpredictable.

U.S. citizens traveling to or remaining in Libya should use caution and limit nonessential travel.

While in Libya, make contingency emergency plans and maintain security awareness at all times.

Recent worldwide terrorism alerts, including the Department of State’s Worldwide Caution, have stated that extremist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East region, including Libya.

Any U.S. citizen who travels to Libya should maintain a strong security posture by being aware of surroundings, avoiding crowds and demonstrations, keeping a low profile, and varying times and routes for all required travel.

Terrorist incidents have occurred recently in Libya.

On September 11, 2012, a group attacked the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi resulting in the deaths of four U.S. government personnel, including the Ambassador.

There have been several recent attacks on diplomatic embassies, offices and vehicles, as well as against Libyan government officials and private Libyan citizens, though many of these attacks have also been the result of criminality and lawlessness.

Since the February 2011 revolution, thousands of anti-aircraft missiles are still unaccounted for in Libya and extremist groups may use them against aircraft, including commercial flights.

Various militias have supplanted the police in maintaining internal security.

Militia members operate checkpoints within and between major cities.

Libyan militia members are poorly trained and may be unaffiliated with the interim government, which has not yet fully reconstituted the national army and police.

The Embassy receives frequent reports of clashes between rival militias and occasional reports of killings and vigilante revenge killings.

Militia groups sometimes detain travelers for arbitrary or unclear reasons, without access to a lawyer or legal process.

Carry proof of citizenship and valid immigration status at all times.

The Embassy has extremely limited capacity to assist U.S. citizens who are detained by militia groups.

Public demonstrations occur frequently in Libya in the central squares of cities, such as Martyrs’ Square in Tripoli and Freedom Square in Benghazi.

Exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations, as even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.

Avoid all demonstrations and take cover if you hear celebratory gunfire.

If travel in desert and border regions of Libya is critically necessary, exercise caution and comply with local regulations.

Terrorist organizations, including Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, continue to threaten the region.

Recent terrorist attacks have occurred in the border region, and extremists have kidnapped Westerners in the border regions.

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Crime

Crime levels in Libya are rising.

There have been increased reports of armed robbery, carjacking, burglary, and crimes involving weapons.

The Libyan police and internal security institutions have not fully reconstituted themselves since the revolution.

Thousands of criminals who were released from prisons by the former regime or who escaped following the revolution remain at large.

Hundreds of thousands of small arms looted from government storage facilities are now in the hands of the local population, contributing to the rise in violent crime.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Libya, you are subject to Libyan laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be very different from our own.

You may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you.

It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings, especially military and government facilities.

Driving under the influence can result in immediate detention.

There are also some things that might be legal in Libya, but still illegal in the United States.

You can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Libya, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not before you go.

Persons violating Libyan laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Libya are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Alcohol is also prohibited in Libya, and possessing, using, or trafficking in alcohol can carry severe penalties.

Libyan customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning the introduction into Libya or removal from Libya of firearms, religious materials, antiquities, medications, and currency.

The importation and consumption of alcohol, pornography, and pork products are illegal in Libya.

Please see our Customs information.

While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case.

To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the U.S. embassy as soon as you are arrested or detained.

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Medical Facilities

While some health care providers have been trained in the United States or Europe, basic modern medical care and/or medicines may not be available in Libya.

Many Libyan citizens prefer to be treated outside Libya for serious medical conditions.

Traffic Safety

While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Libya is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Driving in Libya can be hazardous, and there is a high accident rate.

Enforcement of traffic laws is rare.

As a result, it is often difficult to anticipate the actions of other drivers on Libyan streets and highways.

Wind-blown sand can reduce visibility without warning.

Road conditions are poor, and limited public transportation is poor.

Taxis are available, but many taxi drivers are reckless and untrained.

English-speaking drivers areextremely rare.

The sidewalks in urban areas are often in bad condition and cluttered, but pedestrians are able to use them.

Paved roads in rural areas are satisfactory; however, many rural roads are unpaved.

Major highways along the seacoast and leading south merge into single-lane highways once they are outside major cities.

These roads are heavily trafficked and can be precarious to navigate, especially at night and during the winter rainy season.

The presence of sand deposits, as well as domestic and wild animals that frequently cross these highways and rural roads, makes them even more hazardous.

The availability of roadside assistance is extremely limited and offered only in Arabic.

In urban areas and near the outskirts of major cities there is a greater possibility of assistance by police and emergency ambulance services, although emergency care providers are usually ill-equipped to deal with serious injuries or accidents.

Very few streets are marked or have signage, and highway signs are normally available only in Arabic.

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Airports - total

146

Airports with Paved Runways

68

Heliports

2

Roadways- total

62,152 Miles 100,024 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

35,551 Miles 57,214 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Al Khums, Banghazi, Darnah, Marsa al Burayqah, Misratah, Ra's Lanuf, Tobruk, Tripoli, Zuwarah

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Pipelines: Condensate

548 Miles 882 Kilometers

Pipelines: Gas

2,326 Miles 3,743 Kilometers

Pipelines: Oil

4,353 Miles 7,005 Kilometers

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Telephones

1,101,000

Cell Phones

4,500,000

Internet Users

260,000

Internet Country Code

.ly

Internet Hosts

12,432

Broadcast Media

• state-funded and private TV stations
• some provinces operate local TV stations
• pan-Arab satellite TV stations are available
• state-funded radio

Telephone System

• assessment: telecommunications system is state-owned and service is poor, but investment is being made to upgrade; state retains monopoly in fixed-line services; mobile-cellular telephone system became operational in 1996
• domestic: multiple providers for a mobile telephone system that is growing rapidly; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity has soared
• international: country code - 218; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik; submarine cable to France and Italy; microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece; participant in Medarabtel

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Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

22,170,000,000

Electricity Exports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

104,000,000

Electricity Imports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

77,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

23,980,000,000

Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

6,844,000,000

Natural Gas Exports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

3,666,000,000

Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m)

7,855,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

1,547,000,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

314,000

Oil Exports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

1,378,000

Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

1,643,000

Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

48,010,000,000

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Anthem History

"Allahu Akbar" Originally, the text and the melody were written as a battle song of the Egyptian Army during the Suez War in 1956. When Muammar Qadafi transformed Libya into a republic in 1969, he adopted this Egyptian marching song as the Libyan national anthem

Anthem Lyrics

Allaho-Akbar Allaho-Akbar Allaho-Akbar Fauka-Kaidi-l Moatadi Wal-Laho Lil-Mathloomi Kairo Moaeedi Allaho-Akbar Fauka-Kaidi-l Moatadi Wal-Laho Lil-Mathloomi Kairo Moaeedi Ana-Bil-Yakeeni Wabissilahi Saftadee Watani Wanoororl-Hakki Yastao Fi-Yadee Koolo Ma-ee Koolo Ma-ee Allah Allah Allaho-Akbar Allaho-Faw-Kal-Motadee

Anthem Lyrics English

God is greatest!

God is greatest!

He is above plots of the aggressors, And He is the best helper of the oppressed.

With faith and with weapons I shall defend my country, And the light of truth will shine in my hand.

Sing with me!

Sing with me!

God is greatest!

God is greatest!

God, God, God is greatest!

God is above the aggressors.

O world, look up and listen!

The enemy's army is coming, Wishing to destroy me.

With truth and with my gun I shall repulse him.

And should I be killed, I would kill him with me.

Sing with me - Woe to the Imperialists!

And God is above the treacherous tyrant.

God is greatest!

Therefore glorify Him, O my country, And seize the forehead of the tyrant And destroy him!