Tripoli, 24 December 2021 (TDI): Today marks the 70th anniversary of Libya’s complete independence from Italy. Every year, the day of 24 December is celebrated nationwide with great zeal and festivity.
Like most independence day celebrations across the globe, this too is brimmed with exciting activities, colorful fireworks, and parades. It is a reminder of the nation’s long history with the European subcontinent, and of its struggles and sacrifices under colonial rule.
STATEMENT OF LIBYA’S FOREIGN MINISTRY
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Libya released an official statement today, commemorating this special occasion and congratulating its citizens. The message declared that it was significant for the Libyan people to recall and reflect on the glorious history of the event.
It stated that they must learn to embody the traits displayed in their ancestors who underwent the circumstance of independence. Their struggle to achieve freedom and sovereignty, as well as their marked perseverance in winning national reconciliation must be remembered.
The Libyan citizens were encouraged to strive to continue fulfilling the objective of their independence. This is to turn the pages of the past and eliminate the differences which create divisions and dispersal.
Lastly, the statement also read that the founding fathers of Libya adopted a new and free horizon. It called on the citizens to draw wisdom and insight from these founders, and work for the betterment of the country.
This is so that Libya can continue developing towards its bright future. Concludingly, it reiterated the hopes that this 70th anniversary of independence would be a joyous occasion for all natives.
OTHER COUNTRIES’ WELL-WISHES
Multiple countries across the globe took to Twitter to heartily congratulate Libya on its 70th anniversary of independence. These include Ukraine, Poland, Sri Lanka, and UAE among others.
GEOGRAPHY OF LIBYA
The State of Libya is located in the Maghreb region of North Africa, neighboring the Mediterranean Sea, Egypt, Sudan, Chad, Niger, Algeria, and Tunisia.
It is the fourth largest country in Africa, constituting an area of almost 700,000 square miles. On the other hand, it is also the 16th largest country in the world by size.
The area of Libya which borders the Mediterranean Sea is sometimes referred to as the Libyan Sea. When it comes to climate, the nation mostly experiences extremely dry spells and is desertlike in nature. However, the regions in the North possess a milder Mediterranean climate.
Libya is mostly covered by the Libyan Desert. This is one of the driest and sun-baked spots in the world. In some areas, it is normal for decades to pass before a raindrop is witnessed.
Similarly, the country experiences an extremely hot temperature. In fact, Libya possesses the world record for the highest proven temperature of 58°C in 1992.
ECONOMY
Libya is widely known for its vast oil reserves and bears the title of the 10th-largest proven oil reserves of any country in the world. As a consequence, the Libyan economy depends largely on the oil sector for revenues.
These account for over half of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 97% of exports. In addition to petroleum, natural gas and gypsum are other natural resources present in Libya.
The World Bank defines Libya as an ‘Upper Middle Income Economy’, a title that only seven other African countries hold. Due to its small population of seven million and high revenues from the energy sector, Libya possesses one of the greatest per capita GDPs in the African continent.
Consequently, this enabled the Libyan Government to distribute greater social security to the people, specifically in housing and education. Despite this, Libya has its weaknesses.
The economy faces numerous structural issues, including weak governance, lack of institutions, and chronic structural unemployment. It relies immensely on immigrant labor.
In 2009, unemployment rates rose from 8% in 2008 to 21%. Interestingly, Libya is the only Arab state which contains more unemployed men than women. Based on data from 2010 unemployment for women was 18% in comparison to 21% for men.
In 1962, Libya joined the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). It has applied for membership of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and announced plans for privatization.
DEMOGRAPHICS
Despite its expansive size, Libya has a relatively small population. In addition, this is concentrated mostly along the coastal area near the Mediterranean Sea. This means that 99% of people live in less than 10% of the area.
The majority of Libyans identify as Arab, that is, Arabic-speaking and Arab-cultured. Berber Libyans mark the second largest ethnic group. These are the people who converse in the Berber language and practice Berber culture.
In Southern Libya, multiple ethnicities are present. Primarily, these include Sebha, Kufra, Ghat, Murzuk, and Ghadamis. Overall, there are about 140 tribes and clans in the country.
Furthermore, about 97% of the population identified as Muslim, a large number of which follows the Sunni sect. However, there are small foreign communities consisting of those following Christianity or Judaism.
There are around 2 million students in Libya, over 270,000 of whom study in post-secondary educational institutions. Basic education is free of cost and is obligatory for all citizens up until the secondary level. In 2010, the adult literacy rate in Libya was 89.2%.
CULTURE
Libya’s cultural heritage stems back to nomadic Bedouin Arab as well as sedentary Amazigh tribes. Most citizens associate themselves with a particular family name originating from tribal or conquest-based heritage.
The people of Libya are known for their qualities of giving and selflessness. They possess a deep sense of hospitality, and in 2013, the nation made it to the top 20 on the world giving index.
According to reports, in a typical month, approximately 70% of all Libyans helped somebody they were not familiar with. This is the third-highest level across all 135 countries surveyed.
Because of the Qaddafi regime of dictatorship, very few theaters or art galleries exist in Libya. Additionally, only a small number of cinemas showcase foreign films.
However, the tradition of folk culture is still very rampant in the country. Troupes continually perform music and dance at festivals, not only in Libya but abroad as well.
Libyan cuisine is an amalgamation of various Italian, Bedouin, and traditional Arab dishes. Pasta and rice are immensely popular staple foods. Popular Libyan foods include red (tomato) sauce pasta, rice which is usually served with lamb or chicken, and couscous.
The most popular sport played in Libya, is football. In fact, the country hosted the 1982 African Cup of Nations and also almost qualified for the 1986 FIFA World Cup. This speaks for its high involvement in football.
