Libya - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette Facts and Statistics Location: Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt and Tunisia Capital: Tripoli Climate: Mediterranean along coast; dry, extreme desert interior Population: 6,173,579 (July 2008 est.) Ethnic Make-up: Berber and Arab 97%, other 3% (includes Greeks, Maltese, Italians, Egyptians, Pakistanis, Turks, Indians, and Tunisians) Religions: Muslim 97%, other 3% Government: Jamahiriya (a state of the masses) in theory, governed by the populace through local councils Language in Libya The main language spoken in Libya is Arabic, which is also the official language. Tamazight (i.e. Berber languages), which do not have official status, are spoken by Libyan Berbers. Berber speakers live above all in the Jebel Nafusa region (Tripolitania), the town of Zuwarah on the coast, and the city-oases of Ghadames, Ghat and Awjila. In addition, Tuaregs speak Tamahaq, the only known Northern Tamasheq language. Italian and English are sometimes spoken in the big cities, although Italian speakers are mainly among the older generation. Libyan Society and Culture The People Most Libyans consider themselves Arabs, although there is a strong Berber influence in the population. Nearly 98% of the population is Berber-Arabic. There are small communities of Greeks, Maltese, and Italians. | |
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