Cultivation in the E and S regions is sporadic and dependent on rainfall. Fishing Small quantities of tuna and sardines are caught in the coastal waters off Libya, and sponges are collected inshore. In the early 1990s approximately 7800 metric tons of marine fish were landed annually. Mining Petroleum is the principal product of Libya and its main source of revenue. Other minerals produced in significant quantities include lime, gypsum, and marine salt.
Traditional handicrafts are of minor economic importance.
Energy Almost all of Libya's electricity is produced in thermal facilities, which are concentrated in the Tripolitania region. In the early 1990s Libyan installations annually generated about 19.5 billion kwh of electricity, based on an installed generating capacity of 4.1 million kw. In 1972 the Libyan Arab Foreign Bank was established to deal with overseas investments. Italy, Germany, Spain, France, and Great Britain are principal trading partners. All rights reserved.