Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

**Libyan Arab Jamahiriya**, formerly the official name for **Libya**, was a state led by Muammar Gaddafi's unique political ideology, known as the Third International Theory. Gaddafi held power for over four decades until his overthrow in 2011. The regime faced international criticism for human rights abuses, and its collapse led to ongoing political instability and conflict in the region. In 1977 Libya became "Al-Jamahiriya al-`Arabiyah al-Libiyah ash-Sha`biyah al-Ishtirakiyah al-Uzma" . In English, the name means the "Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya".

## Name

The official name "Libyan Arab Jamahiriya" was used for Libya from 1977 to 2011. "Jamahiriya" translates to "state of the masses" in Arabic, reflecting Muammar Gaddafi's political ideology. The term "Arab" denotes the country's cultural and linguistic affiliation.

## History

The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, established by Muammar Gaddafi in 1977, was characterized by his unique political philosophy called "Jamahiriya," emphasizing direct people's rule. Gaddafi's rule faced both domestic opposition and international isolation. The nation experienced economic challenges, and Gaddafi's controversial policies led to conflicts, including the Lockerbie bombing. In 2011, the Arab Spring fueled a rebellion, resulting in NATO intervention and Gaddafi's overthrow. Post-Gaddafi Libya has struggled with political instability and security issues.

## Infobox (country)

- **conventional long name**: Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

<hr>Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

- **common name**: Libya
- **p1**: Libyan Arab Republic
- **flag p1**: Flag of Libya (1972–1977).svg
- **flag p2**: Flag of Libya 1972.png
- **s1**: Libya
- **flag s1**: Flag of Libya.svg
- **image flag**: Flag of Libya (1977–2011).svg
- **image coat**: Coat of arms of Libya (1977–2011).svg
- **image map**: LibyaMap.svg
- **capital**: Tripoli
Sirte
- **national anthem**:
_Allahu Akbar (anthem), Allahu Akbar_

- **national motto**:
_List of national mottos, Waḥdah, Ḥurrīyah, Ishtirākīyah_

- **largest city**: Tripoli
- **official languages**: Arabic
- **languages type**: Spoken languages
- **languages2 type**: Minority Languages
- **religion**: Islam in Libya, Islam
- **government type**: Unitary state, Unitary Islamic socialism, Islamic socialist _Third International Theory, Jamahiriya_
- **title leader**: List of heads of state of Libya, Brotherly Leader and Guide of the Revolution
- **leader1**: Muammar al-Gaddafi
- **year leader1**: 1977–2011
- **title deputy**: Secretary-General of the List of heads of government of Libya, General People's Committee
- **deputy1**: Abdul Ati al-Obeidi
- **year deputy1**: 1977–1979 (first)
- **deputy2**: Baghdadi Mahmudi
- **year deputy2**: 2006–2011 (last)
- **legislature**: General People's Congress (Libya), General People's Congress
- **era**: Cold WarWar on TerrorArab Spring
- **event start**: Declaration on the Establishment of the Authority of the People, People's Authority
- **date start**: 2 March
- **year start**: 1977
- **event2**: Battle of Tripoli (2011), Fall of Tripoli
- **date event2**: 28 August 2011
- **event1**: First Libyan Civil War, First Civil War
- **date event1**: 15 February 2011
- **event end**: Death of Muammar Gaddafi, Gaddafi killed
- **date end**: 20 October
- **year end**: 2011
- **stat year1**: 2010
- **stat pop1**: 6,355,100
- **area km2**: 1,759,541
- **area rank**: 16th
- **area sq mi**: 679,359
- **hdi**: 0.847
- **hdi year**: 2009
- **hdi change**: increase
- **gdp nominal year**: 2007
- **gdp nominal per capita**: $14,364
- **currency**: Libyan dinar
- **currency code**: LYD
- **calling code**: 218