General Information

 

Libya is Muslim country where Arabic is the mother tongue language.

Libyan electricity uses standard 220/240v power system (continental European plugs).

Libyan official time is GMT+ 2.

Friday is the official weekend when offices and firms close yet many shopping centers stay active throughout the week.

Libya has one of the most rigid regulations that ban alcohol and drugs. So avoid bringing them with you when you travel to Libya.

Weights and Measures: Metric.

Currency: one Libyan Dinar = 1.000 Dirham.

Lands though it gets rather chilly there at night. Some 380mm (15in) rain falls mainly in winter. Semi arid central Plaines, while the southern deserts are subject to frequent periods of drought.

Safety
Libya is a very safe country to travel in. it enjoys a great deal of security and stability. Libyan people are known for being friendly, curious and hospitable to foreigners. Traveling in Libya desert represents a rewarding challenge to adventure lovers. Yet it can be very safe and interesting to travel with expert tour operators with proper preparation support; drivers, cooks etc.

History
The advantageous strategic location of Libya has made it a bustling cross roads of most civilizations Known. The influence, power and sovereignty of Greek and Roman cultures have always been confined to the coastal area. The inner stretch of Sahara desert extending down south was dominated by the Garamants, whose ruins and relics still evident today. The same advantage of location made Libya subject to a series of colonial eras starting with the Phoenicians, the first outsiders that settle in Libya in7th BC. But after the Roman conquest of carthage, which was also found by the Phoenicians the area of Tripolitania became a province of Rome. Other subsequent conquerors of the region were the vandals, and the Byzantine.
 

In the 7th A.D the region was taken in the vast explanation of Islamic civilization. But yet the Spanish captured Tripoli in the 16th A.D and soon handed it to the knights of Saint John based in Malta. Where the Muslims and the area eventually defeated became under control of the Ottoman Empire based in Istanbul.
By the start of the 20th century Italy took opportunity to invade Lbya in 1911. Libya resistance featuring Omar Mokhtar continued until 1931. During the war the Allies until defeated the Italians and after a brief period under the British and French rule. Libya rests within easy reach of Europe; home of the Romans and the Greek, and birthplace of the modern industrial civilization. Facts that throughout history had made Libya a bustling cross roads of most witnessed civilizations.

Geography
In addition to the vast stretch of Mediterranean coastline, Libya's two other main geographical features are Highlands and desert. The Libyan highlands are Jebel Akhdar "Green Mountain" north east, Jebel Nefusa north west and Tibesti Mountains on southern borders with chad. Productive agriculture is concentrated on coastal. Still farther south a pastoral zone of grassland gives way to vast Shara Desert, which contains a magnificent natural landscape with scarce greenery around few scattered oases that supports minimal human habitation; the Toareq and their distinct culture.

Climate
Although Libya has recorded the highest temperature in the world in El Azizia region on 13/9/1922 that reached 58c (136f) breaking the previous world reached in Death Valley in California use which reached 57C (134f ) recorded in 10/07/1913 .

In spite of this fact' climate in Libya is influenced by the enormous stretch of desert at south and the Mediterranean to the north. It takes advantage of the Mediterranean wet cool charms blowing from north, flavored by desert aridity and heat.

The coastal regions enjoy a moderate temperature, averaging 30c (86f) in summer which is quite interesting in larger cities along the coast. But in desert areas south of Jebel Nefusa summer midday heat is unbearable and keeping to the shade is recommended as well as the use of hats and sunglasses.
This may explain the unique architecture of Ghadames Oasis and the trogloyte houses in Ghariyan.
Average temperature is 8c (46F) in winter which is rather cold at coastal strip, sunny and warm in desert.

Clothing: Lightweight cottons and lines are recommended. But the desert can be cold at night. Comfortable walking shoes are necessary.

Currency: the currenency in Libya is the Libyan diner (LD) which is divided into 1000 dirhams. Notes are in denominations of LD 10, 5 and 1 and 500 and 250 dirhams. Coins are in denominations of 100,50, 20 , 10,5 and 1 dirhams
Banks: in summer, banks generally open Sunday to Wednesday 8 a.m. 1 p.m in winter they open Sunday to Thursday to 8.a.m. - 1 p.m.
 

Health : no vaccinations are compulsory, but it is a good idea to have Vaccinations for cholera, polio, tetanus and typhus. The risk of malaria is small But a course of anti-malaria tablets is still recommended. Medical facilities outside the main cities are limited. Full health insurance is recommended
 

Holidays: Libya observes all the Muslim festivities. The dates of these Festivities depend on the lunar calendar and differ from year to another when it comes to the solar (European) calendar. Pleas contact us to receive the list of national holidays Libyan
 

Photography: taking photos is allowed in all archeological sites and museums. A fee of 05 Diners is charged for cameras and 10 diners for videoing. Government Buildings, Military officers, persons and Bridges are not allowed to be photographed
 

Electricity: 220V, 50Hz, continental European plugs. It is advisable to carry an adapter for clients coming from countries with other specifications
 

Working Hours: Libya operates six working days a week. Friday is the official day off. Business working hours are from 7.00 am-2.00 pm Monday is the official day off for all the museums that operate in Libya
 

Shopping: souks in the main towns are the workplaces of many weavers, copper-, gold- nand silver- smiths and leatherworkers. There are numerous.