Exploring the Cities of Libya

Tripoli

Tripoli is the capital and largest city in Libya. It is located on the northwest coast, in a desert area that goes into the Mediterranean Sea. It is a very old city that dates back to the 7th Century BC, when it was founded by Phoenicians, and many archaeological sites remain around its premises. Today,Tripoli is a bustling industrial and commercial center, as well as an important seaport. Many Libyan corporations, international businesses and banks are centered in this city. Tripoli undergoes a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers, and cool, fairly wet winters. There has been an ample rise in tourism throughout the past few years, as people come to explore the interesting architecture from the many different historical periods. Many hotels have been constructed around the city due to this factor. There are a few universities located in Tripoli, the most famous being the Al Fateh University.

Benghazi

Benghazi is the second largest city of Libya, and is located in the northeastern region of the country. There are about 670,000 people that live there. It undergoes a semi-arid climate, where summers are hot and dry, and winters are mild with occasional rain. This city was likely founded by Ancient Greeks, but it also went through Roman and Ottoman rule. Though a fair amount of the city was destroyed by several bombings and invasions in the past 100 years, a good deal of interesting architecture has been preserved throughout the different historical periods. Benghazi is an important city for the greater region of Eastern Libya, and it is a major economic center and port. This is a fairly conservative and religious city, where the vast majority of people are Muslim, and most women in public wear hijabs. Ramadan is very felt when it is in session, as most people do not eat during the day. Libya’s largest library is located in Benghazi, at Garyounis University.

Misurata

Misurata is located on the northwestern coast of Libya, east of Tripoli. Over 500,000 people inhabit this city. The north of the city meets the Mediterranean Sea, and the south is surrounded by golden sands with some palm trees and other green plains. It is a modern and prosperous city that is very business-oriented. There are many light and heavy industries that stimulate its economy. The older parts of the city look more Arab in architecture, but the modern areas take on a more European and Turkish look. A few educational institutes also exist in Misurata.