Libya: What to Know Before You Go

Cuisine Highlights

• Asida, smooth wheat flour porridge drizzled with butter and honey; Libya's traditional comfort food eaten for breakfast and celebrations
• Bazin, unleavened barley bread cooked in boiling water to form a firm dough; eaten by hand with lamb stew; a distinctly Libyan dish with ancient origins
• Couscous with lamb and vegetables, North African staple prepared with regional spices, dried fruit, and chickpeas; served at communal gatherings
• Libyan harissa, a fiery roasted red pepper paste seasoned with cumin and caraway; used as a condiment and marinade throughout Libyan cooking

Traditions & Festivals

• Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha, the primary religious celebrations; Libya is a Muslim country and Islamic holidays define the national calendar
• Gadhafi-era heritage sites, Leptis Magna is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site of extraordinary grandeur
• Ghadames old city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; a unique desert oasis city with interconnected covered passageways and traditional Berber architecture

Language & Communication

Arabic is the official language. Tamazight (Berber) is spoken by the Amazigh minority.

English is limited. Key Arabic phrase: "As-salamu alaykum" means hello.

Libya has been in a state of conflict and division since the 2011 revolution and the fall of Gaddafi, the country has competing governments and armed factions; most Western governments advise against all travel. Libya has some of the ancient world's most extraordinary archaeological treasures but they remain inaccessible to safe tourism.

Cultural Etiquette

• Libya is a conservative Muslim country, dress modestly; women should cover hair and wear loose full-length clothing
• Alcohol is completely banned, do not attempt to bring or consume alcohol
• Do not photograph military positions, checkpoints, or anything connected to armed factions
• Libyans are historically hospitable people, traditional hospitality culture remains strong despite years of conflict; engage with respect and gratitude