Libya Libya joined the League of Arab States in 1953. Nature and Structure of Government: Capital: Tripoli Administration divisions Type: Jamahiriya (a state of the masses); in theory, governed by the populace through local councils; in fact, a military dictatorship Long Form of Name: Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Independence: 24 December 1951 (from Italy) Administrative Regions: 25 municipalities (baladiyah, singular - baladiyat; Ajdabiya, Al 'Aziziyah, A ...