Libya's area and geographical form

a study in political geography

Abstract

This study examined two elements of state’s natural components, namely area and its geographical shape. The aim of this study is to conduct a geostrategic assessment of these components, as they have an effect on the state’s policy and strategy. These components also affect state's internal structure and its regional and international relations. Libya has a big area, most of which is Desert. However, the discovery of oil and the compact (regular) shape of Libya increased its geostrategic importance. However, each of them has its drawbacks. The area is criticized for being mostly devoid of population, as 85% of the population is concentrated on an area of 10% of the area. Although the shape of the country is regular, the extremism of the capital, as it is located in the far northwest of the country, reduces its importance. This results in low spatial development of areas far from the capital, especially in the south. It has also led to depriving the country of good investment of its resources, and even threatens its security and unity.