African Folklore: An Encyclopedia - Marshalls University

LIBYA
Libya is perhaps best known for its leader, Muammar Qadhafi, one of the longest-ruling
heads of state in the world. The country of Libya borders the Mediterranean, and, in
clockwise fashion, Egypt, Sudan, Chad, Niger, Algeria, and Tunisia. Almost all
semidesert, it is a large country covering nearly 685,000 square miles. Libya is only
thinly populated with approximately 6.4 million inhabitants, 86 percent of whom live in
cities, mostly in the capital of Tripoli. It is predominantly an Arab country in language
and culture, although there are a few ancient Berber groups scattered throughout the
country. The majority religion is Sunni Muslim (97 percent of the population).
Historically, Libya has been ruled by various foreign powers: the Turks, Italians,
English, and French. Italy conquered Libya in 1911 as part of its African territorial
aspirations over several decades which included today’s Eritrea, Ethiopia, and part of
Somalia. Eventually, the historically distinct areas of Tripolitania and Cyrenaica were
united. Opposition to Italian rule began before World War II, although it was due to the
war that Italy lost all its African territories. The French and English appointed a king in
1959, but by 1963, foreign oil companies were the real power. In 1969, Colonel
Muammar Qadhafi led the revolt which overthrew the monarchy. Not only has Qadhafi
remained in power, but he has been an active member of the League of Arab States and
the Organization of African Unity. Libya’s foreign policy is usually opposed by the
United States and European powers, especially given Qadhafi’s active support of many
liberation movements around the world.
However one may view its foreign policy, internally Libya has profited greatly from
its oil revenues. In addition to oil, iron ore and cement are exported. Although it has the
highest standards of living in Africa, it depends heavily on imports. Farming is limited to
the coast but it is highly productive. While Libya may not be democratic as it asserts,
what cannot be disputed is that women are in a better position than in many Arab
countries. Adult literacy is 76 percent and there are five universities.
PHILIP M.PEEK
See Stories and Storytelling: The Limba
African folklore 436
LIMBA