Urban Population: Libya
Libya's urban population is currently 87.9% as of 2024. # Libya Urban Population Libya's urban population reached 87.
Current (2024)
87.9%
+0.0% y/y
Peak (2006)
88.2%
Low (1960)
23.3%
Source
World Bank World Development Indicators
1960–2024 · 65 pts
Urban Population — Libya
1960 — 2024
Urban Population — Libya
Analysis# Libya Urban Population
Libya's urban population reached 87.885% in 2024, reflecting one of the world's most dramatic urbanization shifts. The country peaked at 88.16% in 2006 and remains near that historical high. This represents a staggering 277.7% increase since 1960, when only 23.268% of Libyans lived in urban areas. The transformation from a predominantly rural nation to one of Africa's most urbanized countries occurred within a single generation.
The recent trend shows continued urban growth, though at a measured pace. Since 2015, the urban share has risen incrementally from 87.816% to 87.885%, suggesting urbanization has plateaued near maximum saturation. Libya's pattern mirrors oil-rich economies where petroleum wealth concentrated development in cities. Barring significant demographic shifts or rural migration reversals, Libya's urban population will likely remain stable in the high-80s range.
Historical Data
65 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 87.9% | +0.02% |
| 2023 | 87.9% | +0.02% |
| 2022 | 87.8% | +0.01% |
| 2021 | 87.8% | +0.01% |
| 2020 | 87.8% | +0.01% |
| 2019 | 87.8% | +0.00% |
| 2018 | 87.8% | +0.00% |
| 2017 | 87.8% | +0.00% |
| 2016 | 87.8% | +0.00% |
| 2015 | 87.8% | -0.22% |
| 2014 | 88.0% | -0.04% |
| 2013 | 88.0% | -0.03% |
| 2012 | 88.1% | -0.03% |
| 2011 | 88.1% | -0.02% |
| 2010 | 88.1% | -0.02% |
| 2009 | 88.1% | -0.01% |
| 2008 | 88.1% | -0.01% |
| 2007 | 88.2% | -0.00% |
| 2006 | 88.2% | +0.03% |
| 2005 | 88.1% | +0.11% |
Show all 65 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 88.0% | +0.19% |
| 2003 | 87.9% | +0.27% |
| 2002 | 87.6% | +0.35% |
| 2001 | 87.3% | +0.42% |
| 2000 | 87.0% | +0.49% |
| 1999 | 86.5% | +0.56% |
| 1998 | 86.0% | +0.63% |
| 1997 | 85.5% | +0.69% |
| 1996 | 84.9% | +0.75% |
| 1995 | 84.3% | +0.80% |
| 1994 | 83.6% | +0.86% |
| 1993 | 82.9% | +0.91% |
| 1992 | 82.2% | +0.96% |
| 1991 | 81.4% | +1.00% |
| 1990 | 80.6% | +1.04% |
| 1989 | 79.7% | +1.08% |
| 1988 | 78.9% | +1.12% |
| 1987 | 78.0% | +1.15% |
| 1986 | 77.1% | +1.18% |
| 1985 | 76.2% | +1.21% |
| 1984 | 75.3% | +1.33% |
| 1983 | 74.3% | +1.54% |
| 1982 | 73.2% | +1.76% |
| 1981 | 71.9% | +1.98% |
| 1980 | 70.5% | +2.21% |
| 1979 | 69.0% | +2.45% |
| 1978 | 67.4% | +2.70% |
| 1977 | 65.6% | +2.97% |
| 1976 | 63.7% | +3.26% |
| 1975 | 61.7% | +3.56% |
| 1974 | 59.6% | +3.94% |
| 1973 | 57.3% | +5.46% |
| 1972 | 54.3% | +7.84% |
| 1971 | 50.4% | +9.97% |
| 1970 | 45.8% | +11.82% |
| 1969 | 41.0% | +13.20% |
| 1968 | 36.2% | +13.73% |
| 1967 | 31.8% | +12.83% |
| 1966 | 28.2% | +9.83% |
| 1965 | 25.7% | +4.51% |
| 1964 | 24.6% | +1.55% |
| 1963 | 24.2% | +1.47% |
| 1962 | 23.9% | +1.33% |
| 1961 | 23.5% | +1.18% |
| 1960 | 23.3% | — |
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