VERY INTERESTING: LIBYA

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Interesting Facts About Libya

Libya is a predominantly Islamic nation located in northern Africa. It is surrounded by six countries namely Tunisia, Algeria, Sudan, Chad, Egypt, and Niger. The state’s capital, as well as the largest city, is Tripoli. Libya has a population of approximately 7.2 million. Acclaimed as the 4th largest country in Africa by land area, Libya possesses many unique features as outlined below;

1. Libya Has Had Only One King In Its Lifetime 

The first and last monarch of Libya was known as King Idris I. He was both a political and religious leader who was born into the order of Senussi. King Idris I served as the Emir of Cyrenaica before his becoming the King of Libya in 1951 at the end of colonial rule. The king’s rule was unpopular because of his conservativism. In 1969, King Idris I was deposed in a coup d’état led by Colonel Gaddafi who later succeeded him.

2. Home To The Largest Proven Oil Reserves In Africa

The discovery of oil in Libya in the 1950s was a great turnaround for the country which had previously been ranked among the poorest in the world. As of 2010, the country’s annual oil production was 1.65 million barrels per day. Today, oil and petroleum products for the largest portion of the country’s exports and government revenue. Besides, it is among the 15 most thriving economies in Africa alongside South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, and Cameroon among others. Nonetheless, the unstable political environment of the country in the recent past led to fluctuations in its oil price globally.

3. Although Popularly Known As A Muslim Nation, Libya Possesses A Rich Christian History

Today, Christianity is a minority religion in Libya. However, the country possesses strong Christian roots. Examples of two important biblical characters linked to Libya are Simon the Cyrene and St. Mark. Simon who was forced to help Jesus Christ carry his cross was from Cyrene City. Cyrene was a Libyan town that existed hundreds of years ago. On the other hand, St. Mark who wrote the gospel of Mark founded the Church of Alexandria in Egypt in 49 AD. This church birthed many of the Eastern Orthodox churches, Coptic Church, and Greek Orthodox Church which exist in Libya.

4. Historically, Libya Was Divided Into Only 3 Regions Namely Fezzan, Tripolitania, And Cyrenaica

Fezzan was the southwestern part of Libya, Cyrenaica occupied the eastern half of the country, and Tripolitania covered the northwestern parts of Libya. Today, the country is divided into three administrative regions that have been sub-divided into 22 districts (called shabiyat).

5. The Libyan Desert Is Known For Going For Decades Without Rain

The Libyan Desert comprises the eastern and northern parts of the Sahara Desert. Ideally, it is the part of the Sahara Desert found in the state of Libya. The Libyan Desert is known for being the harshest, driest, and most remote region of the Sahara. With day temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius, this region may go for decades without rain.

And as always have a chilled day from the Viking