![Libya ( LIB-ee-ə; Arabic: ليبيا, romanized: Lībiyā, pronounced [liː.bi.jæː]), officially the State of Libya (Arabic: دولة ليبيا, romanized: Dawlat Lībiyā), is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa. Libya borders the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Egypt to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Chad to the south, Niger to the southwest, Algeria to the west, and Tunisia to the northwest. Libya comprises three historical regions: Tripolitania, Fezzan, and Cyrenaica. With an area of almost 1.8 million km2 (700,000 sq mi), it is the fourth-largest country in Africa and the Arab world, and the 16th-largest in the world. The country's official religion is Islam, with 96.6% of the Libyan population being Sunni Muslims. The official language of Libya is Arabic, with vernacular Libyan Arabic being spoken most widely. The majority of Libya's population is Arab. The largest city and capital, Tripoli, is located in north-western Libya and contains over a million of Libya's seven million people.Libya has been inhabited by Berbers since the late Bronze Age as descendants from Iberomaurusian and Capsian cultures. In classical antiquity, the Phoenicians established city-states and trading posts in western Libya, while several Greek cities were established in the East. Parts of Libya were variously ruled by Carthaginians, Persians, and Greeks before the entire region becoming a part of the Roman Empire. Libya was an early center of Christianity. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the area of Libya was mostly occupied by the Vandals until the 7th century when invasions brought Islam to the region. From then on, centuries of Arab migration to the Maghreb shifted the demographic scope of Libya in favor of Arabs. In the 16th century, the Spanish Empire and the Knights of St John occupied Tripoli until Ottoman rule began in 1551. Libya was involved in the Barbary Wars of the 18th and 19th centuries. Ottoman rule continued until the Italo-Turkish War, which resulted in the Italian occupation of Libya and the establishment of two colonies, Italian Tripolitania and Italian Cyrenaica (1911–1934), later unified in the Italian Libya colony from 1934 to 1943.
During the Second World War, Libya was an area of warfare in the North African Campaign. The Italian population then went into decline. Libya became independent as a kingdom in 1951. A bloodless military coup in 1969, initiated by a coalition led by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, overthrew King Idris I and created a republic. Gaddafi was often described by critics as a dictator, and was one of the world's longest serving non-royal leaders, ruling for 42 years. He ruled until being overthrown and killed during the 2011 Libyan Civil War, which was part of the wider Arab Spring, with authority transferred to the National Transitional Council then to the elected General National Congress. By 2014 two rival authorities claimed to govern Libya, which led to a second civil war, with parts of Libya split between the Tobruk and Tripoli-based governments as well as various tribal and Islamist militias. The two main warring sides signed a permanent ceasefire in 2020, and a unity government took authority to plan for democratic elections, though political rivalries continue to delay this. Libya is a developing country ranking 104th by HDI and has the 10th-largest proven oil reserves in the world. Libya is a member of the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the African Union, the Arab League, the OIC and OPEC.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/05/Flag_of_Libya.svg)
Emblem of Libya
To enrich your insights into presidential figures worldwide, also explore some prominent first presidents from other countries, such as Liberia, Lesotho and Lebanon. Delving into the leadership journeys of these figures can offer valuable perspectives on their historical significance and pivotal roles in shaping global politics.
The official residence and symbol of the Libya President
10 Iconic Presidents Who Shaped Libya’s History
Here are 10 of the most popular presidents from Libya:
- King Idris (1951-1969): King Idris was Libya’s first and only monarch. He led the country to independence from Italy in 1951 and was admired for his efforts to modernize Libya.
- Muammar Gaddafi (1969-2011): Gaddafi’s rule was marked by both controversy and popular support. While his regime was criticized for human rights violations, he implemented social welfare programs and invested in education and healthcare.
- Mustafa Abdul Jalil (2011): As the Chairman of the National Transitional Council during the Libyan Revolution, Jalil played a crucial role in ousting Gaddafi. He later became the interim President of Libya.
- Mohammed Magariaf (2011-2013): Magariaf was elected as the President of the General National Congress in 2012. He led the country during a challenging transitional period.
- Aqila Saleh Issa (2014-present): Issa is the Speaker of the House of Representatives, recognized by the international community as Libya’s legitimate parliament. He has been a prominent figure in the country’s ongoing political negotiations.
- Fayez al-Sarraj (2016-2021): Al-Sarraj served as the head of the internationally recognized Government of National Accord. He played a crucial role in the peace negotiations and efforts to stabilize Libya.
- Khalifa Haftar (2014-present): Haftar is the commander of the Libyan National Army and has been a central figure in the ongoing civil war. He has garnered support for his fight against extremist groups in Libya.
- Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh (2021-present): Dbeibeh is the current Prime Minister of Libya, leading the interim unity government. He assumed office after the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum selected him to unify the country.
- Mohamed Menfi (2021-present): Menfi is the current President of the Presidential Council of Libya. He acts as the country’s head of state alongside the Prime Minister.
- Mohamed Younes Menfi (2021-present): Menfi was elected as one of the members of the Presidential Council to lead Libya during the transitional period. He has been working towards national reconciliation and stability.
These presidents have played significant roles in shaping Libya’s history and guiding the country through various challenges, transitions, and crises.
