Libya is a country located in the Maghreb region of North Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Egypt to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Chad and Niger to the south, and Algeria and Tunisia to the west. With an area of almost 1.8 million square kilometers, Libya is the fourth largest country in Africa and is the 16th largest country in the world. The capital and largest city is Tripoli, which is situated in the northwest of the country and is home to over one million of Libya's six million people. The vast majority of the country's terrain is desert or semi-desert, and it has a hot, dry climate with very little annual rainfall. Despite the arid environment, Libya boasts a rich history, with the region being inhabited by various cultures since ancient times. It has many archaeological sites, including those from the Roman and Greek periods, such as Leptis Magna and Cyrene. Libya's history also includes a period as an Italian colony in the early 20th century, and it gained independence as a kingdom in 1951. Libya's economy is heavily dependent on the petroleum sector, which accounts for most of the country's export earnings and a significant portion of its GDP. The country has some of the largest oil reserves in Africa. However, political instability and conflict since the 2011 Arab Spring and the subsequent overthrow of longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi have severely affected its economy and infrastructure. The society is predominantly Arab and Berber, and Islam is the main religion. The official language is Arabic, and the culture is a blend of Arab, African, and Mediterranean influences. Traditional Libyan cuisine includes dishes such as couscous, bazeen, and shakshouka, often featuring lamb and spices. Libya's education system has been affected by the ongoing conflict, although the country has a high literacy rate compared to other African nations. The healthcare system also faces challenges, with services varying widely in quality and availability. Despite the political turmoil, Libya has natural beauty, including long stretches of Mediterranean coastline, which are less developed than those of its neighbors. The country's topography also includes the Akakus Mountains and the Nafusa Mountains, offering some diversity to its predominantly flat desert landscapes.