As a result of the changes, women have the legal right to participate fully in Libyan society. But many traditional attitudes about women remain. Libyan women form only about 10 percent of the work force, but this percentage is increasing as more women become educated. Libya's large cities look much like those in North America and Western Europe. High-rise office and apartment buildings fill the downtown areas.
Suburban areas have more spacious single-family dwellings.
In rural areas, most people live in stone or mudbrick houses. Often, families have a single room for all activities and a nearby shelter for their animals. The flood of people from the country to the cities has created overcrowding, particularly in older urban neighborhoods. Traditional garments are commonly worn in rural areas of Libya. Men wear a loose cotton shirt and trousers covered by an outer cloak.