Ancient times: Libya was ruled by many different empires, including the Phoenicians and the Romans.

7th & 8th centuries: Invaded by Islamic conquerors. Has been a part of the Muslim world ever since.

1911-1943: Italy invades and takes control.

1959: Oil is discovered in Libya, making it one of Africa's richest countries.

1969: Libyan military leader Muammar al-Qaddafi overthrows the government and creates a new one.

1980s: Relations between Libya and the U.S. grow very hostile. There are several military encounters.

1990: Libyans are found to be responsible for an American plane that was bombed two years earlier.

LIBYA
Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

Location
Libya is located in Northern Africa, between Egypt and Tunisia.
Size
slightly larger than Alaska
Coastline
Libya's northern side borders the Mediterranean Sea.
Terrain
Libya is mostly barren and flat with some plains, plateaus, and depressions.
Land use
2% of Libya is fertile and can be used to grow crops.
None of the land is used for permanent crops.
8% is taken up by pastures and meadows.
None of the land is made up of forests.
90% is left over for other uses.
Capital
Tripoli, which is home to more than 800,000 people, is Libya's capital.
Independence
On December 24, 1951 Libya gained independence from Italy.
National holiday
Revolution Day, September 1 (1969)
Languages
Arabic, Italian, and English are all widely understood in the major cities.
Population
Over 5 million (1995 est.)
Age
48% of all Libyans are between 0-14 years of age.
49% of the population is between 15-64 years old.
The remaining 3% are 65 years and over.
Life expectancy at birth
Male Libyans are expected to live to be 62.
Female Libyans are expected to live to be 66.
Total fertility rate
Women have an average of 6 children each.
Ethnic divisions
97% of Libyans are Berber and Arab. Greeks, Maltese, Italians, Egyptians, Pakistanis, Turks, Indians, and Tunisians account for a very small part of the population.
Religions
97% of Libyans are Sunni Muslim.
Literacy
60% of all Libyans are literate.
77% of males can read and write.
42% of females can read and write.