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Libya is Muslim
country where Arabic is the mother tongue language.
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Libyan electricity
uses standard 220/240v power system (continental European plugs).
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Libyan official time
is GMT+ 2.
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Friday is the
official weekend when offices and firms close yet many shopping
centers stay active throughout the week.
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Libya has one of the
most rigid regulations that ban alcohol and drugs. So avoid
bringing them with you when you travel to Libya.
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Weights and
Measures: Metric.
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Currency: one Libyan
Dinar = 1.000 Dirham.
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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.
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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.
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