Present-day Libyans descend almost entirely from the Arabian incursion of the 11th century AD, with a few black Africans from the south and indigenous Berbers in the west. Although traditionally the rural people have been nomadic shepherds, since the discovery of oil there has been a drift into the towns. Once one of Italy’s few colonies, Libya was occupied by the British and French during WWII.

Emerging from years of international isolation, Libya's beauty and diversity are still relatively unknown and, as a result, the country remains largely unspoilt by tourism. Visitors can enjoy exploring the bustling souks and Italian streets and squares of Tripoli and will be amazed by the spectacular remains of the Roman cities of Leptis Magna and Sabratha, testaments to ancient civilisations.

Tourists also have plenty of opportunity to travel through the vast Saharan desert and camp amongst great sand seas, while appreciating Berber hospitality in western Libya.