Libya Urban Population
Urban population as % of total SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS
Libya's urban population was 87.90% in 2025, ranked 39th globally. This represents a 0.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Libya's urban population stood at 87.90% in 2025, a rise of +0.01% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 87.90% by 2025. Libya ranked 39th globally.
Libya’s urban population share has risen dramatically from the all‑time trough of 23.27 % in 1960 to an all‑time peak of 88.16 % in 2006, reflecting sustained rural‑to‑urban migration and the expansion of coastal cities such as Tripoli and Benghazi. By 2025 the share stands at 87.90 %, ranking 39th globally and placing Libya just below Brazil’s 88.12 % and marginally above Belgium’s 87.70 % while remaining close to Australia’s 87.66 % and Greenland’s 88.58 %. The 66‑year coverage shows that the rapid urbanisation accelerated after the 1970s, plateauing in the early 2000s and holding steady through the 2010s despite political instability. Continued investment in housing, infrastructure and services will be crucial to maintain this high urban share, while any significant shifts in economic policy or demographic patterns could alter the trajectory toward either further consolidation of urban centres or a modest rebalancing toward rural areas.
Data & projection
| Year | Urban Population | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 87.92% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 87.91% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 87.90% | - | - |
| 2025 | 87.90% | +0.01% | #39 |
| 2024 | 87.89% | +0.02% | #178 |
| 2023 | 87.86% | +0.02% | #179 |
| 2022 | 87.85% | +0.01% | #180 |
| 2021 | 87.84% | +0.01% | #180 |
| 2020 | 87.83% | +0.01% | #180 |
| 2019 | 87.82% | +0.00% | #181 |
| 2018 | 87.82% | +0.00% | #181 |
| 2017 | 87.82% | +0.00% | #182 |
| 2016 | 87.82% | +0.00% | #183 |
| 2015 | 87.82% | −0.20% | #184 |
| 2014 | 88.01% | −0.03% | #185 |
| 2013 | 88.05% | −0.03% | #186 |
| 2012 | 88.07% | −0.02% | #187 |
| 2011 | 88.10% | −0.02% | #188 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Libya matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2017. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw urban population improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Libya's urban population was 87.90% in 2025. Ranked 39th globally. This represents a 0.0% increase from the previous year.
Libya's urban population peaked at 88.16% in 2006.
The lowest urban population in Libya was 23.27% in 1960.
Libya ranks 39th globally in urban population as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Libya's urban population is projected to reach 87.90% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The urban population of Libya in 2025 was 87.90%. This ranks 39th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_libya_urban-population,
title = {Libya Urban Population},
url = {https://historysaid.com/libya/urban-population/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}