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Unstable since the fall of Gaddafi, Libya faces armed conflicts, militias and terrorism, but still attracts visitors fascinated by its historical heritage and unique landscapes.
Libya is now one of the most dangerous destinations on the planet for tourists. Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the country has failed to regain stability. What was supposed to be a democratic transition ended up plunging the nation into a political and social crisis that continues to this day.
Endless conflicts
Gaddafi was overthrown with the support of NATO. Since then, rival factions have been fighting for power, from east to west. The lack of centralized control has led to the emergence of armed militias, extremist groups and even the advance of ISIS in some regions.
The situation is so critical that several countries have classified Libya as an unsafe destination. The US State Department has issued a Level 4 alert, the highest level, advising against any type of visit.
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The reasons are clear: threats of terrorism, crime, kidnapping, landmines and civil unrest. The UK also warns of the risk of security “escalating without warning”.
The current Prime Minister, Abdul Hamid al-Dabaib, is trying to govern amid the chaos. But instability persists. There is no clear political solution on the horizon. Violence still dominates several regions. And for those who travel there, the risk of being in the middle of a confrontation is real.
Tourism in chaos
Despite all these dangers, around 100 tourists visit Libya every year. This is called “danger tourism.” People who seek extreme experiences in places where few dare to set foot.
The main motivation: the country's historical heritage. Libya is home to some of the most impressive ruins of the Roman Empire outside of Europe.
Ruins that resist
Leptis Magna is one example. Founded in the 5th century BC, it became one of the richest cities in the Empire, especially under the rule of Emperor Septimius Severus. Today, the ruins preserve the theater with a capacity for more than XNUMX people, the Arch of Septimius and the great forum.
Sabratha, another jewel of the past, is located on the shores of the Mediterranean. Founded by the Phoenicians and later dominated by the Romans, it was a vital hub for African trade. There, the Theater of Sabratha and the Temple of Juno Caelestis attract visitors for their beauty and historical importance.
The city also houses mosaics and monuments that show the mixture of Punic, African and Roman cultures.
Oasis and desert
Libya also impresses with its natural landscapes. The Sahara Desert occupies a large part of the territory and offers attractions such as dunes and oases. In Germa, for example, tourists can see remains of the ancient Kingdoms of Fezzan, which flourished in this arid region.
The oases of Ghadames and Kufra are another highlight. They tell the story of civilizations that inhabited the desert millennia ago and left marks that still enchant those who venture there.
Grand past, uncertain present
Even amidst the chaos, Libya holds priceless archaeological and cultural riches. The challenge is that these treasures coexist with a dangerous and unstable reality. Tourism survives, but always under the shadow of extreme warnings and risks. History lives on, but the future remains uncertain.
With information from Adventures in History.
