Libya

Libya is a large country in North Africa on the Mediterranean Sea. Most of the country is Sahara Desert. Libya has impressive ancient Roman ruins and sits on large reserves of oil.

Land and People

About 7 million people live in Libya. The capital is Tripoli. Over 90 percent of the country is desert. Most people live along the Mediterranean coast where it is cooler. Libya is the fourth largest country in Africa.

Ancient Roman ruins by the sea in Libya.
Ancient Roman ruins by the sea in Libya. (Giovanni Boccardi / Wikimedia Commons)

Culture and Fun Facts

Leptis Magna is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. Libyans eat couscous and bazeen, a thick dough made from barley. Tea is served in small glasses three times during visits. The country has a long history stretching back to ancient times.

Fun Facts

  • About 90 percent of Libya is desert.
  • Leptis Magna in Libya has some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world.
  • The highest temperature ever recorded in Africa, 136 degrees Fahrenheit, was once claimed to be in Libya.

Did You Know?

Leptis Magna in Libya was once a grand Roman city with theaters, baths, and markets. It was buried by sand for centuries, which actually helped preserve it. Today you can walk through streets and buildings that look almost the same as they did 2,000 years ago.