Libya | World Heritage Explorer

Libya has been a State Party to the World Heritage Convention since 1978. With 5 inscribed properties, the country maintains a well-established presence on the World Heritage List. All currently inscribed properties are listed under the Cultural category.

Libya as a State Party to the World Heritage Convention

State Party since: October 13, 1978

Status: Ratification

Mandates to the World Heritage Committee: 1980-1987

Total of Mandate Years: 7

Total of Mandates: 1

WHC Electoral Group: V(b) (Arab States)

World Heritage Sites in Libya (5)

Cultural: 5 | Natural: 0 | Mixed: 0

Archaeological Site of Cyrene · Cultural
Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna · Cultural
Archaeological Site of Sabratha · Cultural
Old Town of Ghadamès · Cultural
Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus · Cultural

Map of World Heritage Sites

This interactive map shows the location of all UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Libya.

Tentative World Heritage Sites (3)

Archaeological site of Ghirza · submitted: July 20, 2020
The Archaeological Site of Ptolemais · submitted: July 20, 2020
Haua Fteah Cave · submitted: July 20, 2020

Source: UNESCO Tentative Lists

Country Profile Libya

Official Name: State of Libya

Continent: Africa

Subregion: Northern Africa

UNESCO Region: Arab States

Capital: Tripoli

Population (2024): 7,381,023

Land Area: 1,759,540 km²

Currency: Libyan dinar (LYD)

Country Data Sources

Links

UNESCO World Heritage Convention: State Party Libya

About States Parties

States Parties are countries that have joined the World Heritage Convention. They commit to identifying, nominating, and protecting properties of outstanding cultural or natural value on their territory. States Parties are also expected to monitor and report on the condition of inscribed sites.

World Heritage Insights

How Politics and Institutions Shape the UNESCO World Heritage List

The UNESCO World Heritage List is usually seen as a catalogue of the world’s most important cultural and natural places. Yet behind every inscription there is a structured decision process: countries must first join the Convention, run for a seat on the World Heritage Committee, prepare nominations through a fixed procedure, and finally obtain enough votes for inscription.

World Heritage Info

Background

Learn about UNESCO, the World Heritage Convention, Tentative Lists, and how World Heritage Sites are selected and preserved. Explore the history, structures, and processes that protect humanity’s cultural and natural treasures.

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