Research Library: Libya

Last Updated Dec 18, 2007

Country Information

Government

• While in theory Libya operates under Jamahiriya-government by the people via local councils-in reality Col. Muammar Qadhafi runs a military dictatorship which includes some aspect of socialism and Islam.

Political Stability

• Various Arab nationalist and Islamist movements may be operating secretly, but their effect is negligible due to the oppressive nature of the regime.

Current Government Policies

• After decades of involvement in international terrorist activities, Libya seems to have repudiated their former involvement. The U.S. removed Libya from the list of state sponsors of terrorism in June 2006.
• In 2004 the government announced a policy to invest state oil profits into infrastructure projects. In 2005 the government auctioned oil and gas exploration licenses to private companies, including U.S. companies.

International Reputation

• Libya was found responsible by the UN and international courts for the Lockerbie bombings and the bombing of a French airliner in 1989. In April 2003 Libya accepted responsibility for the 1988 bombing and has agreed to pay billions of dollars in compensation for both attacks. The UN air and arms embargo was lifted in September 2003 as a result. One of the Libyan bombing suspects is currently awaiting an appeal hearing in the Scottish High Court.
• In 2003 Libya admitted to pursuing a clandestine military nuclear program, supported by Pakistan, a fact long suspected by the U.S. and the international community. Libya then terminated this program and opened up its borders for IAEA inspections.
• In June 2003 President Qadhafi pledged to work to make Libya a member of the World Trade Organization.

Economics

• Oil revenues account for 54% of GDP, 97% of export earnings, and 75% of the national income. However, corruption and unemployment remains problems.
• In June 2003 President Qadhafi announced that efforts would be made to privatize the economy, in particular the oil sector. In 2007 the Prime Minister announced a plan to eliminate 400,000 government jobs to stimulate the private sector. Thus far the efforts have been unsuccessful.
• Higher oil prices in the world market led to an increase in export revenues, but have done little to stimulate broad-based economic growth. Despite large oil revenues, there are still occasional shortages of food and basic supplies.

Foreign Aid

• Libya is a net recipient of official development assistance. For more information see the OECD Aid at a Glance chart.

Statistics
Click on statistic name for source information.

Web Resources

• Al-Daleel
  Index of Business Directory and Libyan sites
  Added or modified on Dec 18, 2007
• ArabNet Libya History
  From early colonization to modern Libya.
  Added or modified on Dec 18, 2007
• Federation of American Scientists: Libya WMD Report
  Website collecting information about Libya's recent decisions regarding weapons of mass destruction.
  Added or modified on Dec 18, 2007
• Jamahiria Nwes Agency (Jana)
  Libya's Official News Provider
  Added or modified on Dec 18, 2007
• National Center for Research and Scientific Studies
  Libyan Scientific Organization established in 1995, Tripoli.
  Added or modified on Dec 18, 2007
• Official website of Muammar Gadafi
  Contains speeches and statements on international issues from the leader of Libya.
  Added or modified on Dec 18, 2007
• The National Front for the Salvation of Libya (NFSL)
  Established 1981 to oppose the Ghadafi regime.
  Added or modified on Dec 18, 2007
• al Fajer al Jadeed
  Bi-monthly English Newspaper by one of the main dailies in Libya:
  Added or modified on Dec 18, 2007
• libyaninvestment.com
  Directory Of Libyan Companies.
  Added or modified on Dec 18, 2007