Libya: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Libya 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Libya: 66
  • Happiness Score Libya:5.866

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Libya. LY.

    Libya is a country located in North Africa. It has a political structure as a transitional government with a president and a prime minister. Notable cultural aspects include its rich history of Berber and Arab influence, as well as its traditional music and dance. In terms of economic significance, Libya has a significant oil and natural gas industry.

  • Libya is home to the ancient Roman city of Leptis Magna, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • The country has a diverse population, with Berbers, Arabs, and other ethnic groups making up its demographics.
  • Libya is known for its traditional cuisine, which includes dishes like couscous, shakshouka, and baklava.

    • Libya – A Comprehensive Overview

    Early History:

    The territory of modern-day Libya has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of ancient Berber civilizations dating back to the 10th millennium BC. The Phoenicians established coastal settlements in the 7th century BC, including the city of Oea (present-day Tripoli). The Greeks later founded several colonies in the region, such as Cyrene.

    Kingdoms and Empires:

    Libya was part of several major ancient empires, including the Carthaginian Empire, the Roman Empire, and the Byzantine Empire. The region later came under the control of the Arab Caliphates and witnessed the rise of the Fatimid Caliphate in the 10th century.

    Colonial Period:

    In the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire gained control over parts of Libya, and the coastal regions became bases for corsairs. Italy invaded and occupied Libya in 1911, establishing it as an Italian colony until 1947.

    Independence and Modern Era:

    Libya gained independence in 1951 and became a constitutional and hereditary monarchy under King Idris I. In 1969, a coup d’état led by Muammar Gaddafi overthrew the monarchy, establishing the Libyan Arab Republic and later the Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. Gaddafi’s regime was marked by authoritarian rule and international isolation until it was overthrown in the 2011 Libyan Civil War.

    Current Political Situation:

    Libya has been in a state of political turmoil since the fall of Gaddafi’s regime. The country is divided between the internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) based in Tripoli and the Tobruk-based House of Representatives (HoR) supported by the Libyan National Army (LNA). Recent efforts have been made to hold elections and establish a unified government.

    International Relations:

    Libya has strained relations with several countries due to its ongoing political instability and security challenges. It has engaged in diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts and establish stability, with the involvement of international organizations like the United Nations.

    Human Development and Economy:

    Libya’s economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas exports. The country has struggled with economic challenges due to political instability and conflicts. Libya ranks relatively high in human development indicators but faces challenges in areas such as education and healthcare.

    Cultural Highlights:

    Libya has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Berber, Arab, and Mediterranean civilizations. Islam is the predominant religion, and Arabic is the official language. Libya is known for its ancient Roman and Greek ruins, such as the Leptis Magna and Cyrene archaeological sites.

    Libya faces significant challenges in resolving its political divisions, establishing a stable government, and addressing security and economic issues. However, the country’s natural resources and strategic location offer opportunities for development and regional engagement if stability can be achieved.

    Travel Tips for Libya

    Due to the ongoing political instability and security concerns in Libya, travel to the country is generally not recommended for tourists at this time. However, if the situation improves, visitors should exercise caution, respect cultural norms, and follow the advice of local authorities and travel advisories.

    Living in Libya

    Living in Libya can be challenging due to the current political and security situation. Expats should carefully assess the risks and ensure they have proper documentation and support. Understanding local customs and laws is crucial, as is accessing reputable healthcare and education facilities.

    Doing Business in Libya

    Conducting business in Libya can be complex due to the unstable political environment and legal uncertainties. Building relationships and understanding local business practices are essential for success. Key sectors include oil and gas, construction, and agriculture. Foreign investment may be restricted in certain areas.

Main facts

1. Location

Libya is a country located in North Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Egypt to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Chad and Niger to the south, and Algeria and Tunisia to the west. It is situated along the Mediterranean coast, stretching from the border with Tunisia to the border with Egypt.

2. Map References

Libya is located in the northern part of the African continent, in the region commonly referred to as North Africa or the Maghreb.

3. Area – Comparative

Libya is the fourth-largest country in Africa, with an area of approximately 1,759,540 square kilometers (679,362 square miles), slightly larger than the state of Alaska in the United States.

4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Libya has land borders with six countries, totaling 4,348 kilometers (2,701 miles) in length:

5. Coastline

Libya has a coastline of approximately 1,770 kilometers (1,100 miles) along the Mediterranean Sea. Notable features along the coast include the Gulf of Sidra and the Gulf of Bomba.

6. Maritime Claims

Libya claims the following maritime zones:

  • Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
  • Exclusive economic zone: Maritime boundaries have not been fully determined
  • Continental shelf: The extent of the continental shelf has not been defined

7. Climate

Libya has a predominantly arid to semi-arid climate, with hot and dry conditions throughout most of the country. The coastal regions experience a Mediterranean climate, with milder temperatures and higher humidity. The southern part of Libya is part of the Sahara Desert, with extreme heat and very low rainfall.

8. Terrain

Libya’s terrain is predominantly flat to undulating plains and plateaus, with some scattered highlands and a few scattered mountains. The northern part of the country features low hills and mountains near the coast, while the southern part is dominated by the Sahara Desert, including vast sand seas and rocky plateaus.

9. Elevation Extremes

The highest point in Libya is Bikku Bitti, a summit in the Acacus Mountains, reaching an elevation of 2,267 meters (7,436 feet) above sea level. The lowest point is the Qattara Depression, located in the northwestern part of the country, which lies at 133 meters (436 feet) below sea level.

10. Natural Resources

Libya’s major natural resources include petroleum, natural gas, gypsum, and limestone.

11. Major Bodies of Water

Libya’s major bodies of water include:

  • Mediterranean Sea (northern coastline)
  • Gulf of Sidra (indents the northern coastline)
  • Gulf of Bomba (indents the northeastern coastline)
  • No major rivers or lakes are found entirely within Libya’s borders

12. Natural Hazards

The primary natural hazards affecting Libya include:

  • Hot, dry, dust-laden winds known as the Ghibli, which can cause sandstorms and dust storms
  • Periodic droughts
  • Occasional flash floods in the northern regions

13. Geography – Notes

Libya’s geography is dominated by the Sahara Desert, which covers a significant portion of the country’s landmass. The desert environment poses challenges for agriculture and water resources, while the country’s vast oil and gas reserves have played a crucial role in its economy. Libya’s strategic location along the Mediterranean coast has also been a significant factor in its history and geopolitical significance.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 0.10%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 50,564. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 8.70%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  26.335117.228331.
  • Capital: The capital of Libya is  Tripoli
  • Major Cities:
    • Tripoli – Population: 1,158,000
    • Benghazi – Population: 650,000
    • Misrata – Population: 386,120
    • Tarhuna – Population: 210,697
  • Population: 6,777,452
  • Area(Km2): 1759540
  • Population Density( P/Km²):4. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:218
  • Official Language(s):Libya is Arabic – 100%
  • Currency: LYD

Main Economic Indicators

Libya’s economy is largely dependent on the oil and gas sector, which accounts for around two-thirds of the country’s GDP and over 90% of government revenue. The non-oil sector remains underdeveloped, and the economy faces significant challenges due to political instability, infrastructure deficiencies, and a lack of economic diversification. The government has sought to address these issues through economic reforms and efforts to attract foreign investment, but progress has been hindered by ongoing conflicts and security concerns.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

2021: 3.7% (Source: International Monetary Fund)
2020: 2.8% (Source: International Monetary Fund)

Credit Ratings

Fitch: Not Rated
Moody’s: Not Rated
Standard & Poor’s: Not Rated

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 1.2%
Industry: 60.4% (includes oil and gas)
Services: 38.4%
(Source: Central Bank of Libya, 2021)

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Dates, olives, almonds, poultry, tomatoes
Industrial Products: Petroleum and natural gas, refined petroleum products, iron and steel, cement, aluminum, salt, sulfur

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 1.8 million (2021 est.)
Comparative Ranking: Not Available

Current Account Balance

2021: $12.3 billion (surplus)
2020: -$7.9 billion (deficit)
Comparative Ranking: Not Available

Exports and Imports

Exports: $27.8 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: Italy, Germany, Spain, France, Egypt
Main Commodities: Crude oil, refined petroleum products, natural gas, chemicals
Imports: $14.5 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: China, Turkey, Italy, Spain, Russia
Main Commodities: Machinery, vehicles, food, manufactured goods

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $97.8 billion (2021 est.)
Gold Reserves: 116.6 tons (2021 est.)

  • GDP (Current US$):$52,076,250,948. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): . It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 32.60%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $0.11. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $1.88. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 18.56%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Nationality: Libyan(s) (noun), Libyan (adjective)

2. Ethnic Groups

– Berber and Arab 97%
– Other 3% (includes Greeks, Maltese, Italians, Egyptians, Pakistanis, Turks, Indians, and Tunisians)

3. Religions

– Muslim (official; virtually all are Sunni) 96.6%
– Christian 2.7%
– Buddhist 0.3%
– Hindu <0.1%
– Jewish <0.1%
– Folk religion <0.1%
– Unaffiliated 0.2%
– Other <0.1%

4. Age Structure

– 0-14 years: 26.49% (male 1,367,462/female 1,307,230)
– 15-64 years: 68.61% (male 3,536,859/female 3,362,137)
– 65 years and over: 4.9% (male 232,629/female 259,983) (2020 est.)

5. Dependency Ratios

– Total dependency ratio: 45.9
– Youth dependency ratio: 41
– Elderly dependency ratio: 4.9
– Potential support ratio: 20.5 (2020 est.)

6. Median Age

– Total: 29 years
– Male: 28.8 years
– Female: 29.2 years (2020 est.)

7. Lifestyle Indicators

– Obesity rate: 32.5% (2016)
– Alcohol consumption: 0.1 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2019)
– Tobacco use: 23.2% of adults aged 15 and over (2013)
– Prevalence of undernourishment: 15.7% of the population (2017-2019)

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 72.7. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 91.0%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:18.83. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:6. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 2.24. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 29.6%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 5,448,597. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):36.70%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

Land Forces: The Libyan National Army is the main land force, comprised of ground force commands, air defense and special forces units. Notable units include the Thunderbolt Brigade and the al-Saiqa special forces.

Air Forces: The Libyan Air Force operates fighter jets, attack aircraft, transport planes and helicopters.

Internal Security: The Supreme Security Committee oversees internal security, with the Libyan National Police Force responsible for law enforcement.

Military Expenditures

Military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2018: 3.9%
  • 2017: 3.7%
  • 2016: 4.1%
  • 2015: 3.2%
  • 2014: 2.9%

Libya has one of the highest military spending rates globally, ranking among the top 20 countries in the world.

Personnel Strengths

Total active-duty military personnel: Approximately 50,000

Breakdown by Service Branch:

  • Army: 35,000
  • Air Force: 8,000
  • Navy: 7,000

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Libya operates a mix of Soviet and Western military hardware, including:

  • Main Battle Tanks: T-72, T-62, M1A1 Abrams
  • Fighter Jets: MiG-23, Su-24, Mirage F1
  • Attack Helicopters: Mi-24, Mi-35

Libya has initiated programs to modernize its military equipment and infrastructure through acquisitions from Russia, France and other international suppliers.

Military Service Age and Obligation

The legal age for voluntary military service is 18 years. Libya has a compulsory military service obligation for men between 18-40 years of age.

Military Deployments

Libya has no significant overseas military deployments currently. However, it has contributed troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions in the past.

Strategic Military Notes

Libya’s military strategy prioritizes border security, counter-terrorism operations and suppressing domestic militia groups. The Libyan National Army plays a central role in addressing internal security threats.

Libya maintains defense partnerships with neighboring countries and cooperates with international efforts to combat terrorism and extremist groups in the region.

  • Armed Forces Size: 0. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 02.09
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 49.70%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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