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Libya

State of Libya

Arabic Libyan Dinar (LYD) Mixed: Islamic law, Italian civil law
AU, Arab League, OPEC, AfCFTA

Libya holds Africa's largest proven oil reserves (48.4 billion barrels) and is a major OPEC producer. The economy is almost entirely dependent on hydrocarbons, which account for over 95% of export revenues. The National Oil Corporation (NOC) oversees production through joint ventures with international companies including ENI, TotalEnergies, and Repsol.

Political instability since 2011 has severely impacted economic development, with rival governments and periodic disruptions to oil production. Infrastructure and banking systems remain functional but strained. The country has a high GDP per capita by African standards due to oil wealth and a relatively small population (7 million).

Libya's strategic location on the Mediterranean, massive energy reserves, and infrastructure reconstruction needs represent significant opportunities for companies with appropriate risk appetite. The business environment remains highly challenging due to political uncertainty, security risks, and weak institutional frameworks.

Snapshot

Population~7.5 MWorld Bank, 2025
GDP (current USD)$48.1 BWorld Bank, 2025
GDP per Capita$6,449World Bank, 2025
GDP Growth13.37%World Bank, 2025
Inflation (y/y)~1.84%World Bank, 2025
CBL rate3.00%Central Bank
Unemployment18.76%World Bank, ILO modelled estimate, 2025
Internet Use~81.95%World Bank, 2024
Electrification~70.00%World Bank WDI
CPI Score (Rank)17.0/100 (#170)Transparency Intl
HDI (Rank)0.718 (#104)UNDP HDR

World Bank Indicators Compare with another country

GDP (current USD)$48.1 BWorld Bank, 2025
GDP growth (annual)13.37%World Bank, 2025
GDP per capita (USD)$6,449World Bank, 2025
Population, total7.5 MWorld Bank, 2025
FDI net inflows (USD)$794.7 MWorld Bank, 2023
Inflation (consumer prices)1.84%World Bank, 2025
Unemployment (% labour force)18.76%World Bank, 2025
Internet use (% of people)81.95%World Bank, 2024
Trade (% of GDP)137.66%World Bank, 2025

Country Facts

CapitalTripoli
RegionNorth Africa
CurrencyLibyan Dinar (LYD)
FX RegimePegged to SDR
Investment Promotion AgencyLibya Africa Investment Portfolio (LAP)
Legal SystemMixed: Islamic law, Italian civil law
Time ZoneAfrica/Tripoli

Focus Sectors

Oil & Gas (Africa's largest reserves)
Petrochemicals
Construction
Telecoms
Agriculture
Steel
Cement
Financial Services

Regulations & Taxes

Corporate Income Tax20% standard (oil companies: 65%)
VAT / Sales TaxNo VAT (sales tax applies)