Libya: Some Interesting Facts

Public Holidays

Date 2005 Occasion
January 21 Eid Al Adha
February 10 Islamic New Year
February 19 Ashura
March 3 Declaration of the Authority's Power
March 28 Evacuation Day (British)
April 21 Prophet's Birthday
June 11 Evacuation Day
September 1 National Day
October 7 Evacuation Day (Italian)
November 3 - 5 Eid Al Fitr

Weekend - Friday

Customs & Duties

The following goods may be imported into Libya without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco or 250g cigars and 250ml of perfume. It is forbidden to take any pork products or alcohol or any food item into the country. Books, videos and magazines that are found objectionable may also be confiscated by immigration authorities, so extreme care is advised. Products of companies that do business in Israel, notably Coca Cola, are prohibited.

Electricity

240 V is used in Libya

Weights & Measures

The Metric system is follwed.

Post & Communications

Libyan postal services are available in all main towns, but services are generally poor and erratic, and mail may be subject to censorship. Airmail to Europe takes approximately two weeks.

English Language Media

There are several newspapers and periodicals, but none is published in English. The main dailies are Al-Fajir al-Jadid and Ash-Shams.