Libya Highlights LIBYA GENERAL INFORMATION VIDEO COMPILATION PHOTO GALLERY GENERAL INFORMATION Officially known as the State of Libya, the country covers nearly 700,000 square miles (1.8 million km²), making it the fourth-largest country in Africa and the second-largest in the Arab world, after Algeria. Libya is also home to the world’s tenth-largest proven oil reserves, making it one of Africa’s most resource-rich nations. Although Libya was originally part of our travel plans, we were ultimately unable to visit. Because of the government protests, uprisings, and armed rebellions that swept across much of the Arab world during the early 2010s. The unrest, known as part of the Arab Spring, began in response to widespread corruption, economic stagnation, and demands for political reform, inspired in part by the Tunisian Revolution. As the conflict intensified, Libya’s borders were closed, the border crossing from Egypt became inaccessible, and obtaining tourist visas for Libya was no longer possible. Officially known as the State of Libya, the country covers nearly 700,000 square miles (1.8 million km²), making it the fourth-largest country in Africa and the second-largest in the Arab world, after Algeria. Libya is also home to the world’s tenth-largest proven oil reserves, making it one of Africa’s most resource-rich nations. Despite being unable to visit, Libya remains one of the destinations we regret missing. Those fortunate enough to have explored the country before the conflict consistently describe it as an extraordinary place, rich in history, culture, and breathtaking archaeological treasures. Among Libya’s greatest attractions are the spectacular ruins of the ancient Roman city of Leptis Magna, widely regarded as one of the best-preserved Roman cities anywhere in the world. The site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers an incredible glimpse into the grandeur of the Roman Empire. Libya is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, highlighting its remarkable historical and cultural significance. It also contains Wadi Mathendous, one of the World Monuments Fund’s 100 most endangered sites, renowned for its exceptional collection of prehistoric rock art that documents thousands of years of human history in the Sahara. Although circumstances prevented us from experiencing Libya firsthand, we remain hopeful that one day peace and stability will return, allowing overlanders to once again discover Libya. 2. VIDEO COMPILATIONS A. MIDDLE EAST https://www.doubledutchworldsafari.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Part-1-Overland-around-the-world-Middle-East.mp4 B. OVERLANDING AFRICA https://www.doubledutchworldsafari.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Africa-Overland4.mp4 3. PHOTO GALLERY (Not Available)