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Knowing about Islamic
countries
The Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab
Jamahiriya
Geography
The Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab
Jamahiriya is situated in the north of the African continent and is endowed with
a 2000 km long coast on the Mediterranean Sea stretching from Egypt to Tunisia.
Its land spreads into the Sahara upto the frontiers with Sudan, Chad and Niger.
The country shares its western and south-western frontiers with Algeria. Being
located at 25.9 east longitude and between 18 and 33 north latitude, Libya is
crossed by the Tropic of Cancer to the south from east to west.
The Jamahiriya stretches over a surface area of
approximately 1,760,000 square kilometres (fourth largest African State) and
forms part of the vast Sahara Plateau which rises to the south and drops
gradually to the north and north-east where the province of the northern uplands
stands (the Jabal al-Akhdar rises to 880 m height and the Western Jabal’s peak
reaches 850 m above sea level). The Plateau contains a number of dry valleys and
Saharan depressions where numerous oases and sand dunes are to be found.
The surface area of Libya is divided into three
component areas:
- The coastal plain.
- The northern uplands.
- The Sahara Plateau.
Hot and dry in summer, the climate prevailing in
the country is mild and rainy in winter in the areas bordering the Mediterranean
Sea due to adverse winds that blow from the west usually accompanied by storms.
The country is also swept by a dry wind that blows from the north-east
throughout the year. Annually, rainfall reaches 400 mm in the northern uplands
and drops, in the south, to less than 10 mm.
By virtue of its location, the Jamahiriya has been
since the 17th century AD a cultural and natural bridge between the countries of
the Mashreq (Arab East) and those of the Maghreb (Arab West). It also serves as
a link between countries of the Mediterranean, sub-Saharan Africa and the rest
of the African continent that abounds with natural, economic and cultural
resources.
Since the 17th century AD, the Great Jamahiriya
has played a leading role in the Arab Maghreb region in addition to its
prominent part in spreading Islam in Central and Western Africa through the
channel of commercial caravans.
According to estimates made in 2000, the
population of Libya totals approximately 5.12 million people, 2.595 millions of
whom are males and about one million females. Most of them live in the northern
coastal plains such as the Jifara Plain in the north-west, the Benghazi Plain,
the northern upland of the Jabal al-Akhdar (Green Mountain) in the east, as well
as the Western Jabal and Jabal Nufusa in the west. The presence of inhabitants
in the rest of country dwindles or becomes rare, except in the northern and
southern Saharan oases. The population of Libya has a density of 3.1 per square
kilometre and represents 2.3% of the Arab world’s population. Tarabulus
(Tripoli), the capital of the Great Jamahiriya, is the most populated city,
followed by Benghazi, Misrata and az-Zawiya. The inhabitants of the Great
Jamahiriya are all Muslims and their social laws are based on Quranic law.
Historical note
The Great Jamahiriya is an Arabic-speaking country
of which the religion is Islam. Two factors contributed to these distinctive
features. Firstly, the country is bordered on the east by Egypt and Sudan, on
the west by Tunisia and Algeria, and on the south by Niger and Chad, two African
Muslim countries. Secondly, the country overlooks the middle of the southern
coast of the Mediterranean Sea that has helped maintain permanent human,
cultural and civilisation contacts with European countries, especially in
consideration of the sea’s proven historical role in bringing three continents
together (i.e. Africa, Asia and Europe).
Like other countries in the region, Libya has been
inhabited since the earliest historical times as proven by historical studies
and archaeological discoveries in Jabal Taysili, ‘Awinat, Jarma and Qarza to the
south and centre. It was also influenced by ancient civilisations that had come
from the Mashreq (Phoenicians) and established five cities in the east and three
others on the western coast. Moreover, ancient Arab migrations had contributed
to shaping the population structure of the country since the earliest times. The
Islamic conquests had probably played the most prominent role in firmly
establishing the Great Jamahiriya’s Arab character and confirming its Islamic
and civilisational identity.
Economy
The Great Jamahiriya disposes of numerous sources
of income, the most important of which is oil followed at lesser degrees by
agriculture, trade, fisheries and tourism.
The currency of the country (adopted after the
Revolution of 1 September 1969) is the Libyan dinar that is equivalent to 1,000
dirhams, slightly less than a dollar and a half (according to the official rate
as of the end of 2001).
The Great Jamahiriya is two hours ahead of the
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The 2000 km long Libyan coast and the territorial
waters which extend to 12 sea miles at 32 north latitude abound with
considerable sea resources including fish, minerals, sponge and oil fields.
The economic potential of the Great Jamahiriya
exceeds by far the size of its population, a fact which explains the presence of
a large Arab, African and foreign labour force in the country.
Eighty percent of the population are urban, while
fifteen percent are settled in rural areas (2000 estimate).
Health Care
Since its inception, the Great Revolution of
September 1st placed particular emphasis on health services. Accordingly,
stationary and mobile hospitals as well as free health centres and clinics were
set up, and several medical institutes were opened in various parts of the
country in a move to upgrade the quality of public health service delivery
despite the obstacles encountered. These efforts have borne fruit as the rate of
doctors per every 1,000 citizens has reached 1.4, and that of nurses 3.6.
Oil
The main oilfields are Ziltin, Sha‘b, Nafura,
al-Bayda’, Belhidan and Sarir. Oil is exported from several sea terminals;
namely, Marsa al-Burayqa, Ras Lanuf, Sedra, Zuwaytina and Marsa al-Hariga.
Moreover, a number of oil projects were launched, including the refineries of
az-Zawiya, Brega, al-Hariga, Ras Lanuf complex and Abu Kammash.
Major Tourist and Historical Landmarks
The Great Jamahiriya enjoys a mild climate, warm
sunshine, and a (marvellous) natural scenery in the northern plains and uplands.
Additionally, the Sahara is home to a variety of tourist attractions that range
from oases to historical sites. The multiple means of communication and
transport have helped shed light on the important and effective role that they
can play in the process of economic development. Furthermore, given its
strategic geographical location as well as its centuries-old history, the Great
Jamahiriya acts as a link of vital importance between the eastern and western
parts of the Arab world (i.e. the Mashreq and the Maghreb) on the one hand, and
between Europe and Africa on the other.
The remaining historical sites bear witness to the
greatness of ancient Libyan civilisations. There are, for instance, engravings
and excavations in Jabal Akakus, drawings in Matshindush caves, the cities of
Jerma, Zqaqra and Sabha in the south, and Qarza in the centre, all of which
constituted the cradle of great civilisations that prevailed in these regions.
Indeed, the Great Jamahiriya has incessantly played host to numerous ancient
civilisations enriching every civilisation with writings, drawings, excavations
and engravings. These can be found in the caves of the Tadarat mountains besides
the architectural arts that were introduced by the Greeks and Romans in such
ancient cities as Tripoli, Sabratah, Labdah, Shahat, Susa, Turkah and Talmitah;
ancient Islamic cities such as Sirt, Derna and Ajdabiya; other cities
established in the heart of the Sahara such as Ghadamis, Zwilah, Jalu, Awjila
and Ghat; as well as Gharyan, Mzerda, Qariyat, Yafrin, Nalut, Mislata and
al-‘Uwaynat. The first usual tourist destination in the Great Jamahiriya is
Tripoli, the largest city and the queen of the seas. It is also the city of
Islamic and Arab civilisations as well as a multiplicity of architectural arts
and handicrafts. Since its establishment (more than 1000 years BC), the city was
and is still famed for its green paradisiacal gardens, olive and palm trees,
grapes and oranges.
Historical Sites and Cities
- Number of historical cities: 9
- Number of historical sites: 8
- Major museums: 17
Historical Cities
- Eastern coast: Shahat, Sussa, Benghazi,
Darsiyah, Tulimtah and Tukrah.
- Western coast: Labdah, Sabrata and Uyia.
Major Museums
These include the Saraya al-Hamra, Labda, Bani
Walid, Janzur, Zlitan, Sirt, al-‘Aquriyah, Tulmitah, Sussa, Qasr Libya,
al-Qiqab, Derna, Sabrata, Ghadamis and Jarmah.
Major Oases
The major oases are as follows: Ghadamis, Awjila,
Jalu, Kufra, Suknah, Hun, Wadan, Tamnahant, al-Zighen, Awbari, Marziq, al-Qatrun
and Sarir.
Ancient Islamic Cities
These include Ajdabiya, Sirt, Zwilah and
Derna.
Principal Cities
They include Tripoli, Benghazi, Sabha, Sirt,
Tobruq, Derna, Misrata, al-Bayda’, al-Khums, az-Zawiya and Gharyan.
Tripoli
Tripoli is the capital and largest city of the
Jamahiriyah. It lies on the western coast and enjoys the climate of the
Mediterranean Sea, which is hot and dry in the summer and mild and rainy in
winter. Obviously, weather conditions are subject to the impact of both the
Sahara and the Mediterranean Sea.
The Qal‘a or the Saraya al-Hamra constitutes one
of the major landmarks of the city and occupies a large proportion of the
current eastern part of the old medina. Indeed, entrance to the Qal‘a known as
Suq al-Mushir should be the starting point for any tour of the old medina.
The old medina comprises a number of tourist sites
of historical interest including the medina’s old wall. The entrance to the
seaport is situated on the front side of the old medina that is adjacent to the
corniche road close to the Qal‘a. The old medina is also home to a host of
historical mosques such as al-Qurah Manili Mosque and al-Naqah Mosque. From an
architectural perspective, al-Qurjah Mosque, built in 1883 AD, is among the best
of these mosques.
Benghazi
The city of Benghazi, situated in the eastern part
of the Sirt Gulf, is the second largest city in the Jamahiriya after Tripoli,
and a business centre of paramount importance. However, the city itself contains
only few sites of historical significance as they had been destroyed during the
Second World War before their restoration. Yet, Benghazi is a beautiful centre
for exploring the Jabal al-Akhdar region as well as the Greek and Roman vestiges
dotted all along the eastern seaboard that comprises some of the most
magnificent Libyan beaches of the Mediterranean Sea.
Sabrata
The historical city of Sabrata lies on the
Mediterranean coast at 70 kilometres west of Tripoli. It was discovered in the
6th century BC and built by the Phoenicians to be used as a market for the sale
of their products to African lands. The ancient Roman auditorium, currently used
as a theatre for art and drama performances, is one of the most beautiful
landmarks of the city. The latter also comprises the magnificent and
mosaic-decorated historical museum.
Ghadamis
The city of Ghadamis is located at 640 kilometres
south-west of Tripoli. The city can be reached either by road or by air.
Besides its historical and mythological character, the city captivates with its
marvellous beauty and boasts a distinguishing architecture. It has a population
of approximately 10,000 people who live both in the old and modern parts of the
city. The old medina is located inside the oasis of Ghadamis whereas the modern
city lies on the slopes adjacent to the oasis. The old medina was left around
1986 AD. It was not completely abandoned, though, and has been playing up till
now a key role in the life of the local population. Thus, it is returned to in
summertime either to enjoy shade and coolness, to stage festivals or cultural
evening performances, or to practice various inherited social traditions and
customs.
Education
Mindful of the importance of education of all
categories and at all stages, the Revolution made extensive efforts in this
respect. As a result, the ratio of students to the total population reached
about 35.7% in 1999.
The education system in the Jamahiriya is divided
into five stages:
1. Nursery Education
A host of organised and purposeful activities
meant for children are carried out in the Jamahiriya to ensure the healthy
growth of children and meet their development needs until the age of six. The
implementation of child-oriented programmes rests with the State and its
educational and health institutions, social welfare organisations, and social
security fund programmes. These two-year programmes are meant for children of
four and five-year-old.
2. Basic Education (Primary and Under-secondary)
Considering that elementary education constitutes
the large base upon which education of all youth from six to fifteen years of
age is based, the Jamahiriya has made it free and compulsory. Elementary
education leads to more advanced stages of education, combines theory and
practice, and draws pupils’ lives closer to their real environment by
establishing a link between what they learn and what is available to them in the
surrounding local environment.
3. Intermediary Education (Secondary)
This stage requires three to four years for its
completion, and leads to high school, specialised institutes as well as
technical, art and vocational centres and institutes. It is intended for pupils
from 16 to 18 years of age.
As for the intermediary education which is offered
at high, specialised and vocational secondary schools, it has the same appeal as
that of elementary education.
4. University and Higher Education
University and higher education has been
witnessing memorable development during the last few years. Indeed, numerous
technical commissions were set up to re-structure universities and expand them
horizontally, and establish local higher education academies. University and
higher education is offered at universities, institutes as well as higher
technical, art and vocational education centres. Its completion requires from
three years in some centres and institutes to six years in some university
schools.
Challenges and Reforms of the Educational System
1. Contribution of Civil Society to Education
Considering the high cost of education due to the
technical equipment involved, the increase in the number of children of school
age (approximately 49.2% of the total population), the large surface area of the
Jamahiriya and the highly uneven distribution of inhabitants, the educational
authorities found it necessary that society be involved in financing and
developing the education sector. Accordingly, several resolutions and bills were
passed to organise private participation in education. Pursuant to these
resolutions, a series of practical measures were taken to form educational
partnerships that cover all stages of education from kindergarten to university
education besides the programmes of home-based elementary education. The
following is a short description of these education programmes whose costs are
supported by the civil society rather than the State. It is worth of note that
access to these programmes is optional, except for nurseries whose official
services may not be available to all as statistics indicate that only 9.7% of
new pupils at the first level of elementary school enrolled for State nurseries
in the year 1999-2000.
2. Home-Based Elementary Education
The concept of home-based education emerged in the
1980s in accordance with the saying “mothers educate their children,” which lays
emphasis on the importance of motherhood to education in early childhood. The
concept was welcomed in the official educational circles as seminars were held
to discuss it while the media undertook to analyse and clarify it. As a result,
the resolutions that govern the idea were passed.
Home-based learning is a new method of education
whereby children receive their education through various means of communication
including audio-visual media with the help of their parents or the latter’s
substitutes at home.
To be admitted to the home-based education
programme, a child must be five years of age. To move to a more advanced level,
a child must reach the same required level of learning as that adopted in formal
education. However, a child sits for periodical and final exams whenever an
educational supervisor judges the child to be ready. Though this experiment has
not been definitely assessed, it has received noticeable attention to such an
extent that the number of home-based education affiliates reached 28, 435 pupils
in 1999.
3. Free Participative Education
Participative education constitutes one of the
pillars of the general strategy aimed at the generalisation of education,
illiteracy eradication, and the promotion of efforts to foster continuing
education. In the early 1970s, this method of education achieved tangible
development in the number of institutions and affiliates as well as the
diversity of fields, subject areas and levels covered. In pursuance of the
principles related to the right of individuals to knowledge and freedom of
choice, a host of bills, resolutions and decrees were passed to structure
private education and training.
In compliance with these resolutions,
participative private education was established as a new development of the
educational system in the Jamahiriya in order to lend support to efforts aimed
at spreading education and to keep abreast of technological developments and
globalisation which has caused education to become a burden for the State to
bear alone.
4. Open Education
In a move to expand the realms of private
education and back efforts aimed at continuing education, Order No. 670, dated
1987, was issued to establish an Open University. The latter’s effective
educational activities began at the beginning of the academic year 1989-1990.
The development of these activities brought up the number of its branches in the
Jamahiriya to 17 in 1999. The University offers eleven scientific specialties.
5. Educational Satellite Channels
Educational satellite broadcasting aims to direct
its educational programmes at students of open education, affiliated either with
home-based elementary education or formal and Open University education. It
also seeks to back efforts aimed at illiteracy eradication. Broadcasting these
programmes is the object of co-ordination between the competent educational
authorities and both local and satellite channels of the Jamahiriya. These
channels also broadcast programmes that seek to review some resolutions related
to intermediary education.
The educational satellite channel started
broadcasting at the beginning of 1997. Since then, it has received positive
encouragement and support through an increase in the number of viewers both
locally and internationally. This prompted the national home-based education
commission in the Jamahiriya to open overseas institutions known as the Clubs of
Friends of Home-Based Education which serve to generalise the experiment in a
great number of countries around the world by targeting, in particular, the
children of the Arab Libyan community settled abroad. Britain,
Bosnia-Herzegovina, Argentina and Spain were among the countries where such
institutions were set up until 1999.
Transport and Communication
Road Transport
- Length of paved roads: More than 25,024
kilometres.
- Number of long-distance lines: 36 lines.
- Number of cross-border lines: 8 lines for
international coach transport.
- Number of buses: 203 buses.
Air Transport
The number of airports in the Jamahiriya is 16
airports (Tripoli, Benghazi, Sirt, Ghat, Kufra, al-Jufra, Zuwara, Ghadamis,
Tobruq, al-Abraq, Misrata, M’itiqa, Sarir, Burak and Mahbat Bani Walid).
Sea Transport
The number of commercial ports is 9 ports (Tripoli
al-Bahri, Benghazi al-Bahri, Misrata al-Bahri, al-Khums al-Bahri Port, Derna al-Bahri,
Tobruq al-Bahri, Briqa oil commercial port, Zwara al-Bahri and Ras Lanuf oil
commercial port).
Number of oil ports: 5 ports (al-Sadra, Zwayteena,
Briqa, Ras Lanuf and Tobruq – Hariqa).
Number of industrial ports: one port; namely,
Misrata Iron and Steel Port.
Number of roll-on/roll-off cargo ships: 3 ships.
Number of oil tankers: 8 tankers.
Number of cargo ships: 7 ships.
Number of passenger and pleasure ships: 4 ships.
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