Libya has officially topped the list of Arab countries in terms of car ownership per capita, according to recent data published by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers.
The report shows that Libya has 490 cars for every 1000 people, a figure that puts it ahead of all other Arab nations despite years of political instability and economic challenges.
Syria comes in second with 472 vehicles per 1000 people, followed by the UAE at 343, Algeria at 144, and Iraq at 111.
Libya’s lead is striking given the country’s fragile infrastructure, lack of public transportation systems, and ongoing recovery from conflict.
One of the key reasons for this high ownership rate is the widespread dependence on private transport.
Public transportation is nearly non-existent in most parts of Libya, making car ownership a practical necessity for daily life, especially in cities and remote areas where distances are long and services are sparse.
Fuel subsidies have also played a major role in making car ownership accessible to the wider population. Libya has some of the lowest fuel prices in the world, allowing drivers to operate vehicles at very low costs compared to other countries.
Combined with the availability of imported second-hand vehicles through both legal and informal markets, owning a car is financially feasible for a large portion of the population.
Car ownership in Libya is also tied to cultural and social values. A car is not just a mode of transportation, but a symbol of independence, mobility, and status.
In times of instability or insecurity, owning a vehicle has also offered families a sense of safety and control.
Despite this high rate of ownership, Libya’s road and traffic infrastructure has not kept pace. Many roads suffer from poor maintenance, traffic laws are loosely enforced, and road safety remains a serious concern.
The increase in vehicle numbers has led to growing congestion in cities like Tripoli and Benghazi, where traffic jams, lack of parking, and accidents are daily challenges.
As Libya looks to the future, experts say that the country will need to invest in infrastructure upgrades, traffic regulation, and possibly alternative modes of transport. Without those changes, the growing number of vehicles could strain urban areas and worsen environmental and safety issues.
