A geographical analysis of industry in Libya, with special reference to industrial location

Abstract

This study will, it is hoped, provide a contribution to the knowledge of the industrial geography of a small third world country, Libya, by shedding light on the location and development of its industries. Particular attention has been given to the role of the government in industrial development and industrial location, and the changes which have taken place in Libya's industrial structure and problems. The study proper begins in part one, chapter two, by examining industrial structure and location from the late Turkish period to the mid- nineteen fifties. In chapter three an attempt is made to analyse the characteristics, location and growth of the oil industry, while the main developments and changes in the industrial structure and spatial patterns from 1964 to 1971 are discussed in chapter four. The roles of the private industrialist and the government, including the latter's measures of encouragement and industrial finance, as well as its direct participation, are critically examined in chapter five. In part two, chapter six is a geographical analysis of the nature, location and regional distribution of industrial activities as they existed in Libya in 1971. Chapter seven deals primarily with the main factors which affect present industrial location as well as the relationship between industrial location in Libya and some theories of industrial location. The areal distribution and character of industry in the main cities (Tripoli and Benghazi) has been examined very closely in chapter eight. Finally, in part three, chapter nine deals with the main industrial problems, whilst some important indicators for the industrial future and concluding statements are presented in chapter ten.