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Libya
ETHNIC GROUPS AND LANGUAGES
The present population of Libya is composed of several distinct
groups. By far the majority identify themselves as Arabs. Arab
invaders brought the Arab language and culture to Libya between
the seventh to the eleventh centuries, but intermarriage with
Berbers and other indigenous peoples over the centuries has produced
so mixed a strain that few Libyans can substantiate claims to
pure or even predominantly Arab ancestry. These Arabic-speaking
Muslims of mixed Arab and Berber ancestry make up 90 percent of
the country's population. Berbers, other indigenous minority peoples,
and black Africans make up most of the remainder, although small
scattered groups of Greeks, Muslim Cretans, Maltese, and Armenians
make up long-established communities in urban areas.
Data as of 1987
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