History of Libya in Timeline
Libya, officially the State of Libya, is a North African country located in the Maghreb region. It shares borders with the Mediterranean Sea, Egypt, Sudan, Chad, Niger, Algeria, and Tunisia. Covering an area of nearly 1.8 million square kilometers, Libya is the fourth-largest country in both Africa and the Arab world. Its population of seven million is predominantly Arab and Sunni Muslim, with Arabic being the official language. Tripoli, the capital and largest city, is situated in northwestern Libya.
1903: "Libya" revived as a geographical term
Italian geographer Federico Minutilli brought the name "Libya" back into use in 1903 to refer to the region previously known as Ottoman Tripolitania.
1911: Italy occupies Libya
In 1911, following the Italo-Turkish War, Italy occupied Libya and established two colonies: Italian Tripolitania and Italian Cyrenaica.
1911: Ottoman rule of Tripolitania ends
Ottoman rule over Tripolitania, the coastal region of modern-day Libya, ended in 1911 after being in place since 1551.
1911: Italy starts transforming Libyan regions into colonies
Following the Italo-Turkish War (1911–1912), Italy began the process of transforming three Libyan regions into colonies.
1912: Libya becomes known as Italian North Africa
From 1912 to 1927, the territory of Libya was known as Italian North Africa.
September 1922: 'Aziziya's disputed temperature record
On September 13, 1922, 'Aziziya, Libya, recorded an air temperature of 58 °C (136.4 °F), initially considered a world record. However, this record was later deemed invalid by the World Meteorological Organization.
1927: Libya divided into two colonies
In 1927, the territory of Libya was divided into two separate colonies, Italian Cyrenaica and Italian Tripolitania, each governed by Italian officials.
1928: Start of the "pacification of Libya"
The period referred to as the "pacification of Libya" by the Italians began in 1928, leading to the mass deaths of indigenous people in Cyrenaica.
September 1931: Omar Mukhtar, Libyan resistance leader, executed
Omar Mukhtar, a prominent figure in the Libyan resistance movement against Italian colonization, was captured and executed on September 16, 1931. His legacy as a national hero is commemorated by his image on the Libyan ten dinar note.
1932: King Idris I Marries His Cousin
King Idris I married his cousin in 1932, but they reportedly experienced numerous miscarriages, and their son, born in 1953, tragically died shortly after birth.
1932: End of a brutal period in Cyrenaica
The period between 1928 and 1932 marked a brutal chapter in Cyrenaica's history, during which the Italian military's actions, directly or indirectly, led to the deaths of approximately half of the Bedouin population, according to estimates by Ilan Pappé.
1934: Two colonies merged, forming Italian Libya
The two Libyan colonies, Italian Cyrenaica and Italian Tripolitania, were merged in 1934 to form the unified colony of Italian Libya.
1934: Italian Libya colony established
In 1934, Italy unified its two Libyan colonies, Italian Tripolitania and Italian Cyrenaica, into a single colony named Italian Libya.
1934: Italy forms "Libya" by combining regions
Italy combined the regions of Cyrenaica, Tripolitania, and Fezzan in 1934, establishing a unified colony under the name "Libya," a term used by ancient Greeks to refer to North Africa excluding Egypt.
June 1940: Italy enters World War II
Italy entered World War II in June 1940, turning Libya into a battleground for the North African Campaign.
1940: Infrastructure development in Italian Libya
Between 1934 and 1940, Italian authorities focused on infrastructure development in Libya, significantly expanding the railway and road networks, constructing numerous roads and railways, and promoting industrial growth and the establishment of new agricultural villages.
August 1942: Internment of Jews in Sidi Azaz Concentration Camp
In August 1942, Jewish people from the Tripolitania region were interned in a concentration camp located at Sidi Azaz.
1943: Sayyid Idris Returns to Libya
After the Axis powers were ousted in 1943, Sayyid Idris, who spent a considerable period in exile in Egypt under Italian rule, returned to Libya. This paved the way for his eventual ascension to the throne.
1943: Italy loses control of Libya in World War II
In 1943, Italy was defeated in World War II, resulting in the loss of their control over Libya. The country then came under Allied occupation.
1943: Allied occupation of Libya begins
Libya came under Allied occupation from 1943 to 1951, with the British military administering Tripolitania and Cyrenaica, and the French administering Fezzan.
1943: Italy and Germany defeated in North Africa
The North African Campaign, a series of battles fought in Libya during World War II, concluded in 1943 with the defeat of Italy and its German ally.
1944: Idris returns from exile
Idris returned from exile in Cairo in 1944 but chose not to reside permanently in Cyrenaica until 1947 when certain aspects of foreign control were lifted.
November 1945: Post-War Pogroms Against Jews
For three years following November 1945, a series of violent pogroms targeted the Jewish community in Libya, resulting in the deaths of over 140 individuals and injuries to hundreds more.
1947: Departure of Italian Settlers after Libyan Independence
A significant portion of Italian settlers, who once numbered over half a million, departed Libya following the country's independence in 1947.
1947: Italy relinquishes claims to Libya
As part of the peace treaty signed with the Allies in 1947, Italy officially renounced all claims to Libya.
1948: Jewish Population Decline
By 1948, the Jewish population in Libya had been significantly reduced to approximately 38,000, largely due to the persecution and displacement they faced.
November 21, 1949: UN Resolution for Libyan Independence
On November 21, 1949, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution stating that Libya should become independent before January 1, 1952. This resolution paved the way for Libya's eventual independence.
December 24, 1951: Libya Declares Independence
On December 24, 1951, Libya declared its independence as the United Kingdom of Libya, a constitutional and hereditary monarchy under King Idris I. This followed a period of negotiation with the UN, after the General Assembly passed a resolution stating that Libya should become independent before January 1, 1952.
1951: Libya maintains a pro-Western stance
As a Kingdom in 1951, Libya adopted a pro-Western foreign policy and was recognized as part of the conservative traditionalist bloc within the League of Arab States.
1951: Mass Jewish Emigration Following Libyan Independence
Following Libya's independence in 1951, a majority of the remaining Jewish community made the decision to emigrate from the country.
1951: Establishment of the University of Libya
Following Libya's independence in 1951, the University of Libya, the country's first university, was founded in Benghazi by royal decree.
1951: Libya gains independence as a kingdom
Libya achieved independence in 1951, establishing itself as a kingdom.
1951: Libya becomes independent as the United Libyan Kingdom
Libya gained independence in 1951 and adopted the official name "United Libyan Kingdom".
1951: Allied occupation of Libya ends
The Allied occupation of Libya came to an end in 1951.
January 1, 1952: Deadline for Libyan Independence
January 1, 1952, marked the deadline set by the UN General Assembly for Libya to achieve independence. Libya successfully declared independence before this date on December 24, 1951.
1953: Death of King Idris I's Son
In 1953, the son of King Idris I, born to his cousin whom he married in 1932, tragically died shortly after birth. The king had no direct heir, and this event further complicated the royal succession.
1953: Libya joins the League of Arab States
Libya became a member of the League of Arab States in 1953.
1955: Libya establishes diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union
Libya established full diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union in 1955, while maintaining its pro-Western stance.
1958: Discovery of Oil Transforms Libyan Economy
The discovery of oil in 1958 marked a turning point in Libya's economic history. Prior to this discovery, agriculture was the primary source of revenue, contributing around 30% of the country's GDP.
1959: Discovery of Oil Reserves
The discovery of significant oil reserves in 1959 transformed Libya's economy, enabling the country to establish a wealthy state despite its previous status as one of the world's poorest nations.
1962: Libya Joins OPEC
Libya became a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in 1962.
1963: Name changes to the Kingdom of Libya
The official name of the country was changed to the "Kingdom of Libya" in 1963.
1964: Libya's Population at 1.54 Million
In 1964, Libya had a population of 1.54 million.
September 1969: Al Fateh Revolution
On September 1, 1969, a group of rebel military officers led by Muammar Gaddafi launched a coup d'état against King Idris, which became known as the Al Fateh Revolution. This event marked the beginning of Gaddafi's four-decade rule over Libya.
1969: Muammar Gaddafi seizes power in a coup
A military coup led by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi in 1969 overthrew King Idris I, leading to the establishment of a republic.
1969: Gaddafi's coup leads to the Libyan Arab Republic
Following Muammar Gaddafi's coup in 1969, the country's name changed to the "Libyan Arab Republic".
1969: Gaddafi's coup and shift in foreign policy
Following the 1969 coup led by Muammar Gaddafi, Libya shut down American and British bases and partially nationalized foreign oil and commercial interests. Gaddafi's foreign policy involved supporting leaders often at odds with Westernization and political liberalism.
October 1970: Expulsion of the Italian Community
In October 1970, in a move to reduce Italian influence, all Italian-owned assets were expropriated and the 12,000-strong Italian community was expelled from Libya, along with the smaller community of Italian Libyan Jews. This day became a national holiday known as "Vengeance Day".
1970: Repatriation of Italian Settlers
More Italian settlers were repatriated from Libya in 1970 after Muammar Gaddafi came to power.
1970: Law Introduced for Gender Equality and Wage Parity
In 1970, a law was introduced affirming equality of the sexes and wage parity, reflecting Gaddafi's aim to ease strict social restrictions on women.
1971: Libyan General Women's Federation Established
Gaddafi sponsored the creation of a Libyan General Women's Federation in 1971, further promoting women's rights and roles in society.
1972: Law Against Underage Marriage and for Women's Consent
In 1972, a law was passed criminalizing the marriage of girls under the age of sixteen and making the woman's consent a necessary prerequisite for a marriage. This aimed to protect women's rights and prevent forced marriages.
1973: Merging of civil and sharia courts
In 1973, Gaddafi merged the civil and sharia courts. Currently, civil courts include sharia judges who handle sharia-related appeals.
1973: Law 75 Restricts Political Dissent
Law 75 of 1973 made political dissent illegal in Libya, further consolidating Gaddafi's control over the country.
October 1975: Coup Attempt Against Gaddafi
On October 25, 1975, a coup attempt was launched against Gaddafi by a group of 20 military officers, mostly from the city of Misrata. This resulted in the arrest and executions of the coup plotters, further solidifying Gaddafi's grip on power.
1975: University Student Enrollment
During the 1975–76 academic year, the estimated number of university students in Libya was 13,418.
1975: Establishment of El Kouf protected area
Libya established the El Kouf protected area in 1975, marking an early step in species protection in North Africa.
1975: Growth of Public Universities
Since 1975, the number of public universities in Libya has increased from two to twelve.
February 1977: Libya Supports Rebel Forces in Chad
Libya started delivering military supplies to Goukouni Oueddei and the People's Armed Forces in Chad in February 1977, marking the beginning of Libya's involvement in the Chadian–Libyan War.
March 1977: Libya Becomes a "Jamahiriya"
On March 2, 1977, Libya officially transitioned into the "Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya", a new system of governance introduced by Gaddafi.
March 1977: Libya Becomes a "Jamahiriya"
In March 1977, Libya officially became the "Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya", with Gaddafi officially passing power to the General People's Committees and claiming to be no more than a symbolic figurehead.
November 1977: Libya Adopts Plain Green Flag
Libya adopted its plain green national flag on November 19, 1977, making it the only country in the world at the time with a single-color flag.
1977: Libya becomes the "Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya"
In 1977, Libya adopted the official name "Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya".
1980: Establishment of Higher Technical and Vocational Institutes
Higher technical and vocational institutes were introduced in Libya in 1980.
1982: Libya Hosts African Cup of Nations and Narrowly Misses World Cup Qualification
In 1982, Libya hosted the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and came close to securing a spot in the 1986 FIFA World Cup. They finished as runners-up in the AFCON, losing to Ghana in a penalty shootout (7-6).
1984: Significant Population Growth in Libya
By 1984, Libya's population had reached 3.6 million, marking a significant increase from the 1.54 million recorded in 1964.
1986: US Airstrike Targets Gaddafi
An American airstrike led by then US president Ronald Reagan, intended to kill Gaddafi, failed in 1986.
1986: Libya Narrowly Misses World Cup Qualification
Libya came close to qualifying for the 1986 FIFA World Cup, demonstrating their growing presence in international football.
1986: Addition of "Great" to the official name
The official name of Libya was modified in 1986 to "Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya".
1988: Lockerbie Bombing and UN Sanctions
The bombing of a commercial flight at Lockerbie in 1988, which killed 270 people, resulted in the United Nations imposing sanctions on Libya.
1995: Political Instability in Cyrenaica
Between 1995 and 1998, Cyrenaica experienced political instability due to the tribal allegiances of the local troops, posing a challenge to the central government's authority.
1996: Libyan Media Identified as Most Controlled in Arab World
An analysis conducted in 1996 by the Committee to Protect Journalists concluded that Libya's media landscape was subject to the most stringent control and censorship among all Arab nations under the then-existing dictatorship.
September 1998: Last recorded rainfall in Uweinat
As of 2006, the last recorded rainfall in Uweinat, located in the Libyan Desert, was in September 1998, highlighting the extreme aridity of the region.
1998: Education Budget Allocation
In 1998, Libya allocated 38.2% of its national budget to education.
1998: End of Political Instability in Cyrenaica
By 1998, the period of political instability in Cyrenaica, which began in 1995, came to an end, with the central government reasserting its control.
2000: Challenges in Water Access
In 2000, a significant portion of Libya's population (28%) lacked access to safe drinking water, highlighting challenges in water supply and infrastructure.
September 2003: Lifting of UN Sanctions
UN sanctions imposed on Libya were lifted in September 2003, marking a significant step towards its reintegration into the international community.
December 2003: Abandonment of Weapons of Mass Destruction Programs
In December 2003, Libya announced its decision to dismantle its programs related to the development of weapons of mass destruction.
2003: Privatization Drive in Libya
Following the lifting of sanctions, Libya embarked on a privatization drive, with over 100 state-owned companies in sectors like oil refining, tourism, and real estate being privatized. Notably, 29 of these companies were wholly owned by foreign entities.
2003: Libya Announces Disarmament of WMDs
In 2003, Gaddafi announced that his regime had dismantled all of its weapons of mass destruction, and that Libya was transitioning toward nuclear power.
2004: Growth of Higher Education
By 2004, the number of university students in Libya had significantly increased to over 200,000, with an additional 70,000 students enrolled in higher technical and vocational institutions, reflecting a substantial expansion of the higher education sector.
2004: Government Estimates of Migrant Population
Government estimates in 2004 placed the number of regular and irregular migrants in Libya between 1.35 and 1.8 million, representing 25% to 33% of the population at the time.
2004: Libya's WTO Accession Negotiations Begin
Libya initiated negotiations to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2004, indicating its intention to further integrate into the global economy.
2004: Religious Freedom Report
The International Religious Freedom Report 2004 highlighted that Christian clergy in Libya could wear religious attire publicly without significant discrimination and maintained positive relations with the government. Minority religions also reported a lack of harassment based on their practices.
2005: Decline of Agriculture in the Libyan Economy
By 2005, the agriculture sector in Libya had shrunk significantly, representing less than 5% of the country's GDP. This decline was largely attributed to the dominance of the oil industry following its discovery in 1958.
2005: Increase in Air Traffic
By 2005, Libya witnessed a surge in air traffic with 1.5 million air travelers, reflecting a gradual recovery in its tourism and transportation sectors following the lifting of sanctions.
2006: Extreme aridity of the Libyan Desert
As of 2006, it was noted that decades could pass without rainfall in parts of the Libyan Desert, and even in the highlands, rainfall was rare, occurring only once every 5-10 years.
2006: Foreign Nationals in Libya
The 2006 census in Libya recorded around 359,540 foreign nationals residing in the country, constituting 6.35% of the total population of over 5.5 million. Egyptians made up almost half of this foreign population, followed by Sudanese and Palestinian immigrants.
2007: Libya's Administrative Division
In 2007, Libya underwent an administrative reorganization, dividing the country into 22 districts known as Shabiyat.
2007: Establishment of Private Universities
New private universities, such as the Libyan International Medical University, were established in Libya starting in 2007.
2007: Saif al-Islam Gaddafi's Green Development Project
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the second son of Muammar Gaddafi, spearheaded a green development initiative called the Green Mountain Sustainable Development Area in 2007. The project aimed to promote tourism in Cyrene while also focusing on the preservation of ancient Greek ruins in the region.
2008: Low Unemployment Rate in Libya
In 2008, Libya had a relatively low unemployment rate of 8%, according to census data.
2008: Libya Participates in Summer Olympics
Libya participated in the 2008 Summer Olympics, demonstrating their ongoing involvement in international sporting events.
2009: Healthcare Workforce
In 2009, Libya had a healthcare workforce density of 18.71 physicians and 66.95 nurses for every 10,000 inhabitants.
2009: Estimated Number of Egyptian Migrants
In 2009, the Egyptian embassy in Tripoli recorded approximately 2 million Egyptian migrants in Libya.
2009: Rise in Unemployment
The unemployment rate in Libya rose to 21% in 2009, as per census figures.
October 2010: Gaddafi's apology for Arab involvement in the slave trade
In October 2010, Muammar Gaddafi issued an apology to African leaders on behalf of Arab nations for their role in the trans-Saharan slave trade.
2010: Adult Literacy Rate
The adult literacy rate in Libya reached 89.2% in 2010.
2010: Gender Disparity in Unemployment
An Arab League report based on 2010 data revealed a gender gap in Libya's unemployment rates. The unemployment rate for women was 18%, while for men it was 21%, making Libya the only Arab country at the time with a higher unemployment rate for men than women.
2010: Oil Production Dominates Libyan Economy
In 2010, with oil prices averaging $80 per barrel, oil production constituted a significant portion of Libya's economy, accounting for 54% of its GDP.
2010: Healthcare Spending
In 2010, Libya allocated 3.88% of its GDP to healthcare expenditures.
February 2011: Start of the First Libyan Civil War
In February 2011, inspired by the Arab Spring, protests against Muammar Gaddafi's regime began in Libya, escalating into a full-scale revolt on February 17th. The Interim Transitional National Council was declared as an alternative government.
February 2011: Start of the First Libyan Civil War
In February 2011, inspired by the Arab Spring, protests against Muammar Gaddafi's regime began in Libya, escalating into a full-scale revolt on February 17th. The Interim Transitional National Council was declared as an alternative government.
March 2011: UN Condemnation and Intervention in Libya
In March 2011, Pro-Gaddafi forces clashed with rebels, leading to international condemnation of the regime's brutality. The UN Security Council passed Resolution 1973, authorizing a no-fly zone and the use of force to protect Libyan civilians.
March 2011: International Recognition of the National Transitional Council
By March 2011, the unrest in Libya had spread, leading to the establishment of the National Transitional Council. The United States and other nations recognized the council as the legitimate representative of the Libyan people.
August 2011: Libyan interim Constitutional Declaration issued
The Libyan interim Constitutional Declaration was issued in August 2011.
August 2011: Estimated Time for Infrastructure Rebuilding
In August 2011, following the Libyan Civil War, it was estimated that it would take at least a decade to rebuild the country's infrastructure.
August 2011: Rebel Forces Enter Tripoli
By August 2011, with support from NATO airstrikes, rebel fighters gained control of Tripoli, marking a turning point in the war. They occupied Green Square, renaming it Martyrs' Square.
September 2011: UN officially recognizes "Libya"
The United Nations officially recognized the country as "Libya" in September 2011, responding to a request from the Libyan Permanent Mission based on the Libyan interim Constitutional Declaration from August 2011.
October 2011: End of the First Libyan Civil War
On October 20, 2011, the last major battle of the First Libyan Civil War took place in Sirte, Gaddafi's birthplace and the last loyalist stronghold. Gaddafi was captured and killed, marking the end of the war.
November 2011: ISO 3166-1 updated to reflect "Libya"
The ISO 3166-1 standard was updated in November 2011 to reflect "Libya" as the new official English name for the country and "Libye (la)" in French.
2011: End of the "Jamahiriya" era
The era of the "Jamahiriya" in Libya ended in 2011.
2011: Life Expectancy
In 2011, the life expectancy at birth in Libya was 74.95 years. The life expectancy for males was 72.44 years, while for females, it was 77.59 years.
2011: Evacuation of Turkish Workers
Turkey evacuated 25,000 workers from Libya during the 2011 uprising.
2011: Increased poaching after Gaddafi's fall
Following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011, Libya experienced a surge in poaching, with militias using weapons of war and sophisticated vehicles to hunt animals, leading to a decline in wildlife populations.
2011: Arab Spring and Libyan Crisis
In 2011, the Arab Spring uprisings and the NATO intervention led to the collapse of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, the death of Muammar Gaddafi, and the outbreak of the First Civil War.
2011: Immigrant Exodus During the Revolution
During the 2011 revolution, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimated that 768,362 immigrants fled Libya, representing approximately 13% of the population at that time.
2011: Libya Adopts New Flag
Libya adopted its current flag in 2011, ending its period of having the only plain-colored flag in the world.
2011: Sharp Economic Decline
Libya's economy experienced a sharp contraction in 2011, with its real GDP plummeting by 60%.
2011: Overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi
Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown in 2011. This event led to a decrease in the number of Egyptian workers in Libya from over 2 million to an estimated 750,000.
2011: Migrant Labor Before the Revolution
Prior to the 2011 revolution, official and unofficial estimates indicated that migrant labor constituted between 25% and 40% of Libya's population, representing 1.5 to 2.4 million people.
2011: Libyan Civil War begins, Gaddafi overthrown
The Libyan Civil War erupted in 2011 as part of the Arab Spring, leading to the overthrow and death of Muammar Gaddafi. Control of the country was then transferred to the National Transitional Council.
May 2012: Formation of the Libyan National Army
In May 2012, approximately 35,000 personnel joined the ranks of the Libyan National Army, a military force established by the Tobruk-based House of Representatives in an attempt to reestablish a national army following the Libyan Civil War.
July 2012: First Parliamentary Elections in Post-Gaddafi Libya
In July 2012, Libya held its first parliamentary elections since the overthrow of Gaddafi, marking a step towards democratic transition.
July 2012: First free elections in Libya in 40 years
Libyans participated in parliamentary elections in July 2012, marking the first free elections in the country after almost four decades. The National Forces Alliance emerged as the leading party, while the Justice and Construction Party, affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, secured fewer seats than anticipated.
August 2012: Power Transition and Sectarian Violence
August 2012 saw the National Transitional Council officially hand over power to the elected General National Congress. However, the country faced challenges with sectarian violence, including attacks on Sufi mosques in Tripoli.
September 2012: Attack on US Diplomatic Compound in Benghazi
On September 11, 2012, Islamist militants attacked the US diplomatic compound in Benghazi, killing US Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and three others, sparking outrage in the US and Libya.
September 2012: Invalidation of 'Aziziya's temperature record
In September 2012, the World Meteorological Organization invalidated the 1922 temperature record of 58 °C set in 'Aziziya, Libya.
October 2012: Political Instability and Prime Minister Changes
October 2012 was marked by political instability in Libya, with Prime Minister-elect Abushagur ousted and Ali Zeidan elected as the new Prime Minister.
October 2012: Libyan Economy Recovers with Oil Production Resumption
By October 2012, Libya's economy showed signs of recovery from the 2011 conflict. Oil production, a crucial sector, had almost returned to its pre-war levels, exceeding 1.4 million barrels per day.
November 2012: Prioritizing Army and Police Force Empowerment
In November 2012, President Mohammed el-Megarif emphasized that strengthening the army and police force was the government's top priority. He also ordered that all militias in the country must submit to government control or disband.
2012: Proliferation of TV Stations After Collapse of Censorship
The year 2012 witnessed a surge in the number of television stations operating in Libya, with hundreds emerging in the wake of the previous regime's censorship apparatus collapsing. This period marked the beginning of efforts to establish a "free media" environment.
2012: Libyan Economy Rebounds
The International Monetary Fund estimated a substantial 122% real GDP growth for Libya in 2012, marking a significant recovery following a 60% decline in 2011.
2012: Libya's Wheat Imports and Production
In the 2012/13 period, Libya imported an estimated 1 million tonnes of wheat to meet its cereal consumption needs. Domestic wheat production in 2012 was estimated at 200,000 tonnes.
2012: Libya's status improved to Partly Free
After the 2012 elections, Freedom House upgraded Libya's status from Not Free to Partly Free, recognizing the country as an electoral democracy.
January 2013: Public pressure to draft a new constitution
By January 2013, there was growing public pressure on the National Congress to establish a committee for drafting a new constitution, although the method of selecting committee members remained undecided.
January 2013: Refugee and Displacement Crisis
In January 2013, Libya faced a significant refugee and displacement crisis. According to the UNHCR, there were approximately 8,000 registered refugees, 5,500 unregistered refugees, and 7,000 asylum seekers in the country. Additionally, 47,000 Libyan nationals were internally displaced, and 46,570 were internally displaced returnees.
2013: Libya as a migrant transit point
Between 2013 and 2018, Libya emerged as a major transit point for migrants attempting to reach Europe, with nearly 700,000 reaching Italy by boat.
2013: Libya Ranks High on World Giving Index
In 2013, Libya was recognized for its culture of generosity and hospitality by securing a position among the top 20 countries on the World Giving Index. A survey by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) revealed that nearly three-quarters (72%) of Libyans had provided assistance to strangers in a typical month, ranking them third highest globally in terms of helping those they did not know.
2013: Continued Economic Growth
Libya's real GDP continued to grow in 2013, with the International Monetary Fund estimating a growth rate of 16.7%.
March 2014: General National Congress votes to be replaced
In March 2014, the General National Congress voted to dissolve and be succeeded by a new House of Representatives with 200 seats, including 30 seats reserved for women. The new legislature would allow Libyans with foreign nationalities to run for office.
March 2014: Resignation of Prime Minister Zeidan
In March 2014, Prime Minister Zeidan resigned after being ousted by the General National Congress for his failure to prevent a rogue oil shipment. He was replaced by Abdullah al-Thani.
May 2014: Outbreak of the Second Libyan Civil War
In May 2014, the Second Libyan Civil War erupted, stemming from conflicts between rival parliaments and exacerbated by tribal militias and jihadist groups vying for power.
June 2014: Parliamentary Elections and Continued Division
Parliamentary elections took place in June 2014, aiming to establish a new House of Representatives. However, violence and low turnout marred the process, and Islamist lawmakers in the GNC refused to recognize the new parliament, further deepening the political divide.
December 2014: Libya described as a non-state
During a meeting of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs, UN Special Representative Bernardino León characterized Libya as a non-state in December 2014.
2014: Second Civil War
Factional violence following the First Civil War escalated, leading to the outbreak of the Second Civil War in 2014.
2014: Rise of Jihadist Influence
Following the fall of Gaddafi, ultra-conservative Islamic factions resurged in Libya. In 2014, Derna, known for its history of jihadist ideology, fell under the control of militants aligned with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The Second Libyan Civil War further contributed to the spread of jihadist elements to other areas, including Sirte and Benghazi.
2014: Libya Wins African Nations Championship
Libya achieved a significant victory in 2014 by winning the African Nations Championship, defeating Ghana in the final match.
2014: Second Libyan Civil War Begins
The second Libyan Civil War erupted in 2014, further destabilizing the country and impacting its infrastructure, including its vital water systems.
2014: Population Composition
As of 2014, Libya's population consisted of 97% Arabs and Berbers, including native Libyans and Arab migrants from various nationalities.
2014: Second Libyan Civil War erupts
A second civil war began in Libya in 2014, with two rival authorities claiming control over the country. This resulted in the division of Libya, with areas controlled by the Tobruk and Tripoli-based governments, along with various tribal and Islamist militias.
January 2015: Geneva-Ghadames talks
In January 2015, the Geneva-Ghadames talks were held in an attempt to bring the GNC and the Tobruk government together to find a solution to the internal conflict in Libya. However, the GNC did not participate.
February 2015: Egyptian Airstrikes Against IS in Libya
In February 2015, Egypt launched airstrikes against the Islamic State in Libya, supporting the Tobruk-based government against the extremist group.
February 2015: ISIL Beheading of Coptic Christians
In February 2015, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) released a video showing the mass beheading of Coptic Christians, highlighting the threat of violence faced by Christians from radical Islamists in parts of Libya.
March 2015: Terrorist attack in Tunisia
On March 18, 2015, a terrorist attack on the Bardo Museum in Tunisia was reportedly carried out by two Libyan-trained militants, highlighting the increase in terrorism within Libya and its impact on neighboring countries.
July 2015: UN-supported peace negotiations
In July 2015, UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Bernardino León, reported progress in peace negotiations, with a political agreement reached on July 11 outlining a comprehensive framework for Libya's transition.
December 2015: Agreement for a national unity government
An agreement to establish a national unity government was signed in December 2015. This agreement outlined the formation of a nine-member Presidency Council, a seventeen-member interim Government of National Accord, and the continuation of the House of Representatives as the legislative body.
2015: UN Human Rights Council report and investigation
In 2015, the UN Human Rights Council requested a report on the Libyan situation, and the High Commissioner for Human Rights established an investigative body to report on human rights and the rebuilding of the Libyan justice system.
2015: Establishment of the Government of National Accord
The internationally recognized Government of National Accord was established in 2015, forming its own army to replace the Libyan National Army. However, this new army largely consisted of undisciplined and disorganized militia groups.
2015: Libya's Low Ranking in Press Freedom Index
In 2015, Libya ranked poorly in the Press Freedom Index, securing the 154th position out of 180 countries, reflecting challenges to press freedom in the country.
2016: Oil Production Target Set
In 2016, an announcement revealed the goal of achieving an oil production target of 900,000 barrels per day in the following year.
2016: Libya Participates in Summer Olympics
Libya's athletic contingent participated in the 2016 Summer Olympics, showcasing their athletes on the global stage.
2016: Human Rights Watch Report on Press Freedom and LGBTQ+ Rights
The Human Rights Watch annual report in 2016 highlighted that journalists in Libya continued to face threats and attacks from armed groups. The report also pointed out Libya's low ranking (154th out of 180 countries) in the 2015 Press Freedom Index. Additionally, it stated that homosexuality remains illegal in Libya.
December 2017: Official name becomes "State of Libya"
The Permanent Mission of Libya to the United Nations announced in December 2017 that the country's official name would change to the "State of Libya," with "Libya" remaining as the official short form.
2017: Widespread Malnutrition in Libya
By 2017, the ongoing conflict and instability in Libya had resulted in a dire situation, with approximately 60% of the population suffering from malnutrition.
2017: Libya signs UN treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
Libya became a signatory to the UN treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in 2017.
May 2018: Agreement to hold elections
In May 2018, Libya's rival leaders agreed to hold parliamentary and presidential elections following a meeting in Paris.
April 2019: Operation Flood of Dignity
In April 2019, Khalifa Haftar launched Operation Flood of Dignity, an offensive aimed at seizing Western territories from the Government of National Accord (GNA).
June 2019: GNA captures Gharyan
In June 2019, forces allied with the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) captured Gharyan, a strategic town where Khalifa Haftar's forces were based.
March 2020: Operation Peace Storm
In March 2020, the UN-backed government of Fayez Al-Sarraj launched Operation Peace Storm in response to attacks by Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA).
August 2020: Drone strike on Tripoli military academy
On August 28, 2020, a BBC investigation revealed that a United Arab Emirates (UAE) drone strike on January 4 killed 26 young cadets at a military academy in Tripoli.
October 2020: UN arms embargo violations exposed
In October 2020, The Guardian reported on large-scale violations of the UN arms embargo on Libya by the UAE and Turkey, both of whom were sending military support to their respective sides in the conflict.
2020: Permanent ceasefire signed
A permanent ceasefire agreement was reached between the two main warring factions in Libya in 2020. A unity government was then established with the aim of organizing democratic elections.
2020: Government's Goal to Increase Food Production
The Libyan government aimed to significantly increase food production, setting a target of 800,000 tonnes of cereals by 2020.
2020: End of Second Libyan Civil War and Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
The second Libyan Civil War concluded in 2020, leaving behind a severe humanitarian crisis. The conflict had devastated infrastructure and displaced populations, contributing to widespread malnutrition and the need for urgent aid.
February 2021: Formation of an interim unity government
An interim unity government was formed in February 2021, with members elected by the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF). The forum also appointed Mohamed al-Menfi as head of the Presidential Council.
November 2021: Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh announces candidacy, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi reinstated
Despite an agreement to refrain from running in the December 2021 elections, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh declared his candidacy for president. The Appeals Court in Tripoli reinstated his candidacy and controversially reinstated Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of the former dictator, as a presidential candidate.
December 2021: Postponement of elections, international support for interim government
Libya's Election Commission postponed the elections initially scheduled for December 24, 2021, due to legal and logistical challenges. The international community agreed to continue recognizing and supporting the interim government led by Mr. Dbeibeh. The new prime minister is tasked with forming a cabinet within 21 days, which requires approval from various governing entities within Libya.
December 2021: Presidential election delayed
Libya's first presidential election, originally scheduled for December 2021, was delayed to June 2022 and later postponed further.
2021: Further Decline in Press Freedom
Libya's ranking in the Press Freedom Index further declined in 2021, dropping to 165th out of 180 countries, indicating a worsening environment for press freedom.
January 2022: Election postponed indefinitely
The election was postponed indefinitely from its rescheduled date of January 24, 2022. The UN urged Libya's interim leaders to address the legal and political obstacles hindering the elections.
February 2022: Appointment of Fathi Bashagha
In February 2022, the Libyan parliament appointed Fathi Bashagha as prime minister to lead a transitional administration, but standing Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh refused to relinquish power.
March 2022: House of Representatives establishes alternative government
In March 2022, the House of Representatives in Libya refused to acknowledge the Government of National Unity and established an alternative government called the Government of National Stability (GNS), resulting in a situation of dual power.
April 2022: El Sharara oil field shutdown
On April 18, 2022, tribal leaders in Ubari shut down the El Sharara oil field, Libya's largest, in protest against the Dbeibeh government, threatening domestic oil shortages and hindering the National Oil Corp. from capitalizing on high international oil prices.
June 2022: Presidential election further delayed
The Libyan presidential election, already delayed from December 2021, was further postponed from its rescheduled date in June 2022.
2022: Declaration of 18 Provinces
In 2022, the Libyan Government of National Unity declared the establishment of 18 provinces, as reported by the Libyan Observer. These provinces include regions like the eastern coast, Jabal Al-Akhdar, Al-Hizam, Benghazi, Al-Wahat, Al-Kufra, Al-Khaleej, Al-Margab, Tripoli, Al-Jafara, Al-Zawiya, West Coast, Gheryan, Zintan, Nalut, Sabha, Al-Wadi, and Murzuq Basin.
2022: Libya's Ranking on Open Doors' World Watch List
Libya was ranked fourth on Open Doors' 2022 World Watch List, indicating that it was among the 50 countries where Christians faced the most severe persecution.
September 10, 2023: Devastating floods in Derna
On September 10, 2023, catastrophic floods caused by dam failures during Storm Daniel devastated Derna, killing over 4,000 people and leaving more than 10,000 missing. This event is considered the worst natural disaster in Libya's modern history.
2023: National Strategy for Primary Healthcare Launch and Impact of Storm Daniel
Libya's health ministry introduced the National Strategy for Primary Healthcare 2023–2028, aiming to enhance group clinic and health centre services, with a unique health number for each citizen to streamline access to medical records. Storm Daniel severely affected Derna and eastern Libya, rendering numerous hospitals and healthcare facilities inoperable, despite a pre-storm estimate of 60,000 people needing aid in the area.
2023: Estimated Foreign Labor in Libya
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that around 10% of Libya's population, equivalent to over 700,000 people, comprised foreign labor in 2023.
March 2024: Libya's Focus on Business Development and Foreign Investment
In March 2024, Libya is actively promoting business development and encouraging both domestic and foreign investment. This strategic initiative aims to secure long-term economic stability and prosperity for Libya by diversifying its economic foundation, decreasing reliance on a singular sector, and establishing resilience in the face of fluctuating oil markets. Embracing green industries like renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, and eco-tourism holds the potential to generate fresh employment prospects across a spectrum of sectors, thereby addressing unemployment challenges, particularly among the youth demographic.
2024: Launch of the Full-Day School Project
The Ministry of Education in Libya announced the launch of the Full-Day School Project in 2024. This project involves 12 schools across the country implementing extended school days, aiming to provide 3,300 elementary school students with 800 hours of instruction annually.
2028: End of National Strategy for Primary Healthcare
The National Strategy for Primary Healthcare 2023–2028, launched in 2023, is set to end in 2028.