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Information of Libya |
Capital: Tripoli
Official Language: Arabic
Currency: Libyan Dinar
Libya is a country of breathtaking beauty in northern Africa. It is the fourth largest country in Africa by area, and the 17th largest in the world. The name "Libya" is derived from the Egyptian term "Lebu", representing Berber peoples living in west of the Nile.
Libya shares borders with Tunisia and Algeria in the west and Egypt in the east, while the Sahara extends across the southern frontiers with Niger, Chad and the Sudan. Majestic mountain ranges, sun drenched sea beaches and fabulous villages have made Libya one of the greatest tourist attractions of the world. Moreover Libya houses some interesting archaeological ruins dating back from the Roman and Greek periods with some of the most well known World Heritage sites. All these, with a long history dating back to the seafaring Phoenician times, Libya is becoming a curious destination for one who is interested in archaeology, history, culture and above all new destinations.
Major Cities of Libya
Tripoli, Sabratah, Leptis Magna, Bangozi, Al-Hums, Al-Marj, Misratah, Auwarah, Tubruq, Az zawiyah, Al-khums Zlitan and Tarabulus are the major cities of Libya. The old Islamic cities of Sirt, Darnah, and Ajdabiya, and the desert cities of Ghadames, Zuwaylah, Jalu, Ojla, Ghat and Fezzan offer interesting insight into the tribal life style of the native Berber people.
Tourist Attractions of Libya
The first site that most tourists visit while arriving to Libya is Tripoli or the capital country. It is the city of Islamic civilization, Arab art and handicraft, where every monument narrates a tale. The dominating site of Tripoli is the castle, Al-Saraya Al-Hamra, which occupies the east quadrant of the old city. The Castle Museum displays archaeology and artifacts of ancient Libyan history covering the Phoenician, Greek and Roman periods. Tripoli is also vibrant with lush garden filled with olive trees, palms, grapevines, and orange groves.
Founded by the Canaanites in the 6th century BC the World Heritage site of Sabratah is located on the beautiful Mediterranean coastline. The Amphitheatre in Sabratha is a major tourist spot with a wide variety of public baths, temples and fountains.
The historical town of Leptis Magna in the east of Tripoli offers incredible archaeological sites. It was originally a port, built by the Phoenicians in the first millennium BC. Among the things worth seeing in Leptis Magna are the Severan Arch built in honor of Emperor Septimus Severus, the Hadrianic Baths, a detailed Basilica and an amphitheater.
One of the best tours that Libya offers is a visit to Ghadames desert, in the south of Tripoli. Built in an oasis, Ghadames, "the pearl of the desert", is one of the oldest pre-Saharan cities and a beautiful specimen of a traditional settlement. The old town's unique architecture consists of whitewashed mud walls and narrow and obscure walkways. Worth seeing are the D'jmaa al-Kabir mosque, where the minaret can be climbed for a wonderful panorama of the city; Mulberry Square or the old slave market and the House Museum, that displays unique mercantile furnishings. Nearby are the Zallaf Sand Dunes, abode of the native Tuareng tribe.
Benghazi is Libya's second-largest city located on the eastern most part of the Gulf of Sirt. Ras Alteen a nearby beach with pristine white sands is a relaxation spot of the tourists. Other historical sites include the battlefield of Tobruk and the town of Cyrene. In nearby Suluq stands the mausoleum of Omar Mokhtar, hero of the Libyan Resistance during the Italian occupation.
Accommodation in Libya
European Airlines offers direct flights into the capital city of Tripoli and to the eastern resort city of Benghazi. Other popular airways are British Airways from London, Lufthansa from Frankfurt, Alitalia from Rome, Swiss Air from Zurich, Turkish Airlines from Istanbul, etc. Egypt also has opened a road border with Libya.
The Tunisia-Libya border offers a 24 hour 7 days a week check post, and makes it not only convenient but also the most logical route. One needs to possess a visa for touring to Libya. Tourists are required to have a pre arranged tour program and the tour operator has to apply for the visa that is first approved by Tripoli. Once approved, any Libyan Embassy abroad can issue the visa. Road conditions are excellent, and rental cars are the popular vehicles hired by the tourists for faster and easier tours. Accommodation in major cities like Tripoli and Benghazi is of high quality. Remote areas like Ghadames have limited and average quality of accommodation. Food is plenty with lots of salads and vegetables.
Security in Libya
Libya is very relaxed in terms of dressing code for women, alcohol consumption and movement of tourists within the country. The Libyan people enjoy a well-earned reputation for kindness and hospitality toward visitors. Safety and security is of acceptable standards but the tourists themselves need to be cautious while traveling.
For further details and information on Libya and its tourist destinations browse more pages of allwonderscountries
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