Libya

geographical name

Lib·​ya ˈli-bē-ə 

1

the part of Africa north of the Sahara between Egypt and Syrtis Major (the Gulf of Sidra)

—an ancient name

2

northern Africa west of Egypt

—an ancient name

3

country in northern Africa bordering on the Mediterranean Sea, but largely desert; a colony of Italy 1912–43, an independent kingdom 1951–69, a republic since 1969; capital Tripoli area 679,362 square miles (1,759,540 square kilometers), population 6,755,000 see also libyan