Libya is the fourth largest country in Africa and ranks 17th in the world in terms of area. The country has over 50 cities, most of which are located along the Mediterranean coastline. With a population of approximately 7 million according to the latest statistics, most Libyans live in coastal cities such as Tripoli, Benghazi, and Misrata, among others.
Top 10 Cities in Libya
Here we present the largest cities in Libya based on area and population, ranked from largest to smallest. All statistics and figures mentioned below are sourced from the Libyan Statistics and Census Authority. Note that the ranking is divided between cities and "Shabiyat" (or municipalities, which are regions comprising several cities) and cannot be compared in terms of area. For instance, Tripoli, the largest city in Libya, covers an area of 1500 square kilometers, while the Jebel Gharbi Shabiyah is the largest Shabiyah in Libya, covering more than 76,000 square kilometers. Therefore, we have prioritized population in this list.
1.Tripoli
Tripoli is the capital and the largest city in Libya, both in terms of area and population. It covers an area of approximately 1500 square kilometers and has a population of 1,293,016 (one million, two hundred ninety-three thousand sixteen). Tripoli ranks first among the largest cities in Libya.
Located in western Libya on the Mediterranean coast, Tripoli is bordered by Tajura to the east and Janzour to the west. Often called "The Bride of the Mediterranean" due to its beautiful buildings and attractive landmarks, Tripoli is the economic and geopolitical heart of Libya, with its area and population significantly surpassing other cities. It accounts for 18.66% of the country's population.
2.Benghazi
Benghazi is the second-largest city in Libya after Tripoli, with an area of about 314 square kilometers and a population of 807,255 (eight hundred seven thousand two hundred fifty-five).
Known as Libya's second capital, Benghazi and Tripoli have been competing for power for decades since the 1969 coup. Muammar Gaddafi even seriously considered making it the capital instead of Tripoli. Benghazi hosts Libya's largest seaport, which is a major economic resource for the city. Currently, it is considered the capital of Eastern Libya amidst the ongoing political division and the presence of two rival governments.
3.Misrata
Misrata is the third-largest city in Libya in terms of population density, following Tripoli and Benghazi. It is also the third-largest city by both area and population, covering approximately 207 square kilometers with a population of 663,853 (six hundred sixty-three thousand eight hundred fifty-three).
Serving as a divide between Eastern and Western Libya, Misrata is located in the center of the Libyan coastline on the Mediterranean. It is bordered by Sirte to the east, Al-Khoms to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north.
Misrata boasts Libya's only iron and steel factory and the famous Misrata port, making it an important economic force for the country. It also relies heavily on tourism and is considered one of the best tourist destinations in Libya.
4.Jafara
The Jafara Shabiyah is located in western Libya, bordered to the north by Tripoli and Zawiya, to the east by Tajura and Tarhuna. Jafara contains many Libyan cities, making it the second-largest Shabiyah in Libya after the Jebel Gharbi Shabiyah. It covers an area of more than 1940 square kilometers and has a population of 548,855 (five hundred forty-eight thousand eight hundred fifty-five).
The cities of Aziziyah and Janzour are among the most significant in the Jafara Shabiyah, which accounts for 7.92% of Libya's population.
5.Murqub
The Murqub Shabiyah includes various regions in western Libya, bordered to the west by Tripoli, to the east by Misrata, to the north by the Mediterranean Sea, and to the south by Bani Walid. The Murqub has a population of 532,227 (five hundred thirty-two thousand two hundred twenty-seven), accounting for 7.68% of Libya's population.
Murqub includes the site of the ancient city of Leptis Magna, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
6.Jebel Gharbi
The Jebel Gharbi Shabiyah is located in western Libya, bordered to the north by Tripoli, to the south by Sabha, to the east by Bani Walid, and to the west by Nalut and Ghadames. It ranks sixth among Libya’s largest regions, with a population of 374,911 (three hundred seventy-four thousand nine hundred eleven), representing 5.41% of Libya's total population. It covers approximately 76,717 square kilometers, representing 4.58% of Libya's total area.
Important areas in Jebel Gharbi include Gharian, Nalut, Zentan, Jadu, and Yefren.
7.Zawiya
Zawiya is located in northwestern Libya, bordered to the east by Tripoli, to the north by the Mediterranean Sea, to the west by Sorman, and to the south by the Jafara Shabiyah. The city has a population of 351,306 (three hundred fifty-one thousand three hundred six), representing 5.07% of the country's total population.
Zawiya is significant in Libya for its long history of resistance against Italian occupation and its strategic location on the Mediterranean coast.
8.Western Region
The Western Region encompasses several governorates, including Riqdalin, Al-Jamil, Zuwara, Ajilat, and Sabratha. Located in northwestern Libya near the border with Tunisia, it is bordered to the north by the Mediterranean Sea, to the south by the Jebel Gharbi Shabiyah, and to the west by Zaltan and Al-Asa. It has a population of 349,755 (three hundred forty-nine thousand seven hundred fifty-five), accounting for 5.05% of Libya's total population.
Notable tourist attractions in the Western Region include the Farwa Island in Zuwara and the Sabratha Archaeological Theatre.
9.Marj
Marj is located in southeastern Libya, bordered to the north by the Mediterranean Sea and to the west by Benghazi. It is one of Libya's largest cities with a population of 286,045 (two hundred eighty-six thousand forty-five), representing 4.13% of Libya's total population. Marj covers an area of about 30 square kilometers.
Marj is historically significant, having been rebuilt in 1970 after an earthquake damaged the old Marj city. Important landmarks include the old Marj Castle and the Abu Bakr al-Siddiq Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Libya.
10.Green Mountain
The Green Mountain Shabiyah is known for being one of Libya’s top tourist destinations, featuring many scenic cities such as Shahat, Al-Bayda, and Susa. It has a population of 250,020 (two hundred fifty thousand twenty), making up 3.61% of Libya’s total population. The Green Mountain Shabiyah covers over 7800 square kilometers.
Key tourist sites include the Green Mountain range, the Shahat Sculptures Museum, the ancient Greek town of Ptolemais, King Idris al-Senussi's palace in Shahat, and the ancient city of Apollonia in Susa.