Marhaba! Welcome to the land of the Sahara and ancient Mediterranean ruins—Libya, a large North African nation with a long coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. There are around 7 million people living here, and the capital is Tripoli, often called “The Mermaid of the Mediterranean” because of its turquoise waters and whitewashed buildings. The official language is Arabic, while various Berber (Amazigh) languages are also spoken, especially in the western mountains.

Libya covers about 1,759,540 square kilometers (679,362 square miles). To imagine its size, the country is roughly the same size as the state of Alaska in the U.S., or about the same size as France. While the north enjoys a Mediterranean climate, about 90% of the country is covered by the Sahara Desert, making it one of the most arid places on Earth.

The most popular sport is Football, and the national team is known as the “Mediterranean Knights.” Their national animal is the Arabian Lion, which serves as a historic symbol of strength and resistance.

The flag consists of three horizontal stripes of red, black, and green with a white crescent and star in the center, where the red represents the blood of the martyrs, the black stands for the dark days of Italian occupation, and the green symbolizes the fertility and agriculture of the land.

The food is a delicious mix of Arabic, Mediterranean, and Italian influences. You must try Couscous, which is often served with lamb, chickpeas, and a spicy sauce. Another favorite is Bazeen, a traditional unleavened bread made of barley, shaped into a dome and served with a meat and tomato stew. Because of its history, you will also find that Pasta is very common, but often prepared with a distinctly Libyan spicy twist.

Libya is home to Leptis Magna, one of the most spectacular and well-preserved Roman cities in the world, which was the birthplace of Emperor Septimius Severus. In the deep desert, you can find the Akakus Mountains, where ancient rock art dating back thousands of years depicts a time when the Sahara was a lush, green landscape filled with giraffes and elephants. The country also features the Ghadames Old Town, known as the “Pearl of the Desert,” which is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its unique architecture designed to withstand the desert heat. Libya also holds the record for one of the hottest temperatures ever recorded on Earth in the town of Al-Aziziyah.

From the bustling souks of Benghazi to the towering sand dunes of the Ubari Lakes, Libya is a land of vast deserts and incredible ancient history. Shukran! That means “Thank you!”