a military dictatorship in northern Africa on the Mediterranean; consists almost entirely of desert; a major exporter of petroleum
"After decades under a single ruler, Libya remains a North African nation defined by its vast deserts and heavy reliance on oil exports."
A country in North Africa.
"Libya is a country located in North Africa known for its vast deserts and ancient ruins."
The word comes from the Latin Libya, which was borrowed from the Ancient Greek Libúē. It has been used in English to refer to the region since the 16th century.