Libya

Libya is a North African country with a history rich in ancient civilizations such as the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans. It became part of the Arab Muslim world in the 7th century and was later ruled by the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. In the early 20th century, Italy colonized Libya until it gained independence in 1951. Colonel Muammar Gaddafi took power in a coup in 1969 and ruled Libya for over 40 years until a popular uprising in 2011 led to his overthrow and eventual death. The country has since been plagued by instability, with various factions vying for power. Libya's economy is heavily reliant on oil exports, but ongoing conflicts have hindered its development. The country remains divided between rival governments in the east and west, with efforts to establish a unified government ongoing.