The local culture in Libya can take some getting used to, as the majority of its population consists of devout Muslims. That said, Libya provides a mild-mannered dose of the Middle Eastern religious culture.
As long as you remember to remain respectful of the tenets of Islam during your time in Libya, you should find friction rare and easily reconciled.
In fact, the root of the largest source of anxiety and nervousness in expats moving to Libya is the lack of information available to prepare for the move. People are often taken aback on arrival by the presence of shopfronts boasting Western-style clothing, and supermarkets coloured with ripe, fresh produce. Though the country has one of the strictest bans on alcohol and drugs in the world, its attachment to other areas of conservative extremes has waned over the past decade.
Women in Libya
Libyan society is significantly gender segregated, necessitating that expat women have male companions for many daily activities that would normally be carried out independently in a Western country. For security reasons, it’s best for a woman to show that she is married or 'protected' by a male when out in public.
Shopping alone is allowed, but not common. Most women shop in groups or with male relatives. A woman going alone to a sidewalk café is also frowned upon – although women are not banned from doing so, these are generally reserved for men. When eating out, women will go as a group, or better still, with their male relatives.
Women should avoid wearing anything too revealing, as this may attract unwanted male attention. Once outside city limits, expat numbers decrease, and the dress code becomes understandably more modest. Long sleeves and full-length skirts or trousers are recommended for women. Women may also want to always carry a light shawl in anticipation of unexpected situations that require further modesty.
Dress in Libya
Dress code in Libya largely depends on the area of the country – the larger cities offer greater freedom, while the smaller desert towns adhere to a more conservative culture.
In the cities, men are free to wear t-shirts and shorts below the knees. Women are accepted in three-quarter-length pants and skirts, t-shirts, and long sleeves, with no need for headscarves. There are even a number of designated expat beaches where Western-style bathing suits are accepted.
Language barrier in Libya
Arabic is the official language of Libya; the language barrier can cause a good deal of consternation and confusion. However, expats will find that people do speak some English and are eager to practise their skills.
The majority of all signs and postings are also written in Arabic. So at least learning to read the language is beneficial. Do remember, though, that there are many dialects of Arabic, depending on the region, so it’s best to research this beforehand.
A significant number of expats living in Libya speak French or Italian as a first language – knowing some phrases will make adaptation into social circles much easier.
Ramadan in Libya
Ramadan is a period during which followers of the Islamic religion abstain from food, drink, and other pleasures between sunrise and sunset. The fast aims to instil discipline and self-restraint in believers.
As an Islamic country, much of the Libyan population participates in the ritual fasting. Working hours are adjusted to allow employees to return home and make the necessary arrangements for their daily fast-breaking meals. Businesses and shops remain open for most of the day, close shortly before sunset, and then reopen after evening prayers late into the night.
Most importantly, expats living in Libya should take note that restaurants close during the day and eating in public is largely taboo, even for non-Muslims. The dates for Ramadan vary every year according to the Islamic lunar calendar. These are usually publicised well ahead of time.
LGBTQ+ in Libya
Libya is not a LGBTQ+-friendly country. Same‑sex relationships are criminalised under national law. Nonbinary gender identities are not acknowledged, and transgender individuals face significant barriers and discrimination when it comes to achieving legal recognition.
Social attitudes are almost universally conservative, and open expression of LGBTQ+ identity is rare due to safety concerns. Harassment and violence against LGBTQ+ people has been reported in Libya, and there are no formal advocacy groups operating openly within the country. LGBTQ+ people are advised to exercise caution and discretion in Libya.