Libya is in northern Africa against the Mediterranean west of Egypt and north of Chad, and is mostly barren desert with some flat to undulating plains and scattered plateaus and depressions. The Libyan government has made significant strides in strengthening and rebuilding international ties, and is working to privatize more enterprises to support the growth of the economy, which is based primarily on oil, manufacturing and construction, with heavy imports of foodstuffs.

Libya's not all date palms and deserts, but if shifting sands and camel trains are your thing, Libya's got desert for days, and a quick jaunt down into the Fezzan will take you boldly where nomad has gone before. And despite its scary reputation, most people have a grand old time.