History of Libya under Muammar Gaddafi

The history of Libya under Muammar al-Gaddafi spans a period of over 40 years who became the de facto leader of the country on 1 September, 1969 after leading a group of young Libyan military officers against King Idris I in a coup d'etat. After the king had fled the country, the Revolutionary Command Council (RCC) headed by Gaddafi abolished the monarchy and the constitution and proclaimed the new Libyan Arab Republic with the motto "freedom, socialism, and unity".

After coming to power, the RCC government initiated a process of directing funds toward providing education, healthcare and housing for all. The reforms, though not entirely effective, had had their effect. Public education in the country is free and primary education is compulsory for both boys and girls. Medicare is also available to the public at no cost but providing housing for all is a task the RCC government has not been able to complete yet.

Under Muammar al-Gaddafi, per capita income in the country rose to more than US $11,000; fifth highest in Africa.

In 2011, a conflict broke out in the country between anti-Gaddafi and pro-Gaddafi...
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