Note to our readers: Background Notes are no longer being updated or produced. They are being replaced with Fact Sheets focusing on U.S. relations with countries and other areas and providing links to additional resources. For archived versions of Background Notes, visit http://www.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/.
More information about Libya is available on the Libya Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-LIBYA RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Libya in 1951. In 1969, the army overthrew the king, and coup leader Mu'ammar al-Qadhafi became de facto head of state. Qadhafi tried to brutally suppress an uprising against his dictatorship in 2011. Under the auspices of a UN Security Council resolution, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France launched military action to protect Libyan civilians. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization continued these efforts as "Operation Unified Protector." Qadhafi was killed during the conflict.
Libya faces the challenges of building democratic institutions, protecting the universal rights of all Libyans, promoting accountable and honest government, rebuilding its economy, and establishing security throughout the country. The United States has a strategic interest in a stable and prosperous Libya, and is supporting Libya’s democratic transition in cooperation with the UN and other international partners.
U.S. Assistance to Libya
Recognizing Libya's own substantial resources, the United States is committed to providing targeted assistance that advances primary U.S. goals: the creation of a democratic Libya that is secure, peaceful, prosperous, and is an active member of the international community, contributing to regional and global stability. A fact sheet on U.S. assistance to Libya can be found here.
Bilateral Economic Relations
Oil revenues constitute Libya's principal source of foreign exchange. In 2011, the U.S. imposed sanctions on the Qadhafi regime following the outbreak of violence against civilians. Most U.S. and UN sanctions against Libyan institutions were lifted at the request of the new Libyan government. Many U.S. companies, particularly in the oil sector, have resumed their operations in Libya. The United States also has signed a trade and investment framework agreement with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, of which Libya is a member.
Libya's Membership in International Organizations
Libya and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank. Libya is an observer to the World Trade Organization.
Bilateral Representation
The U.S. Ambassador to Libya is J. Christopher Stevens [Editor's Note: Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens died from injuries he sustained in an attack on the U.S. diplomatic post in Benghazi, Libya, September 11, 2012. Secretary Clinton's Remarks; Statement]; Gregory N. Hicks is currently Charge d'Affaires, other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List .
Libya maintains an embassy in the United States at 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 705, Washington DC 20037 (tel: 202-944-9601).
More information about Libya is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
Department of State Libya Country Page
Department of State Key Officers List
U.S. Embassy: Libya
USAID Libya Page
History of U.S. Relations With Libya
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Office of Foreign Assets Control Sanctions Page
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel and Business Information
