More information about Libya:
Economy:
The economy of Libya depends heavily on revenue from
oil industry
, which makes up to 97% of Libya’s GDP. Libya has many structural problems, including weak and uncertain governance and chronic unemployment. Based on data from the Arab League, unemployment was at 21% in 2010. In addition, there are high levels of social inequality and regional economic disparities.
Language:
The official language of Libya is Arabic. The local
Libyan Arabic
is spoken as well as the Standard Modern Arabic. Various
Berber
languages,
Italian
, and
English
are also spoken.
Cuisine:
Libyan cuisine is a mix of Italian, Bedouin, and traditional Arabic influences. In the
Western
side of Libya,
pasta
is a staple where in the
Eastern
side,
rice
is a staple. Common Libyan dishes are the tomato based sauces for pasta or rice, usually served with chicken or lamb.
Bazeen
is a dish made of barley flour and served with tomato sauces.
Asida
is a sweet version of bazeen with honey mixed into the dough. Commonly these dishes are shared with several people, most serving themselves by hand. A very common snack served all over Libya is a sandwich of
tuna on a baguette or a pita
. The tuna is mixed with olive oil and harissa (chili sauce) and prepared by many vendors throughout Libya.
We finish our time in Libya this week and make our way to
Egypt
next week.
We are only 5 weeks away from our goal,
Jerusalem!
