| Country |
Libya |
|
| Region |
Northern Africa |
| Area (sq km) |
1,759,540 |
| Area (sq mile) |
679,358 |
| Border |
Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Niger, Sudan, Tunisia |
| Population |
6,310,434 |
| Nationality |
Libyan(s) |
| Ethnic |
Berber and Arab 97%, other (including Greeks, Maltese, Italians, Egyptians, Pakistanis, Turks, Indians, Tunisians) 3% |
| Religion |
Sunni Muslim 97%, other 3% |
| Language |
Arabic, Italian, English |
| Literacy |
83% |
| Government |
Jamahiriya (a state of the masses) in theory, governed by the populace through local councils; in fact, a military dictatorship |
| Capital |
Tripoli |
| Leader |
Revolutionary Leader Col. Muammar Abu Minyar al-Qadhafi (since Sept. 1, 1969; holds no official title, but is de facto Chief of State); Secretary of the General People's Committee (Prime Minister) al-Baghdadi Ali al-Mahmudi (since March 5, 2006) |
| Currency |
Libyan dinar (LYD) |
| Independence Day |
Dec. 24, 1951 (from UN Trusteeship) |
| National Holiday |
Revolution Day (Sept. 1, 1969) |
|
