First Libyan Doctors

These are the first two first Libyan doctors who graduated from Constantinople.One of them is my paternal grandfather.Dr. Aref A. Arif.Was an eye surgeon in the old city. He treated people of Trachoma which usually led to complete recovery of sight.He was a proud doctor who didn't ask for anything from anyone who couldn't afford healthcare.He was a good citizen who did all he could for his people.He was survived by a young wife and 5 children. 3 sons and 2 daughters :Ihsan , Naima, Lutfi, Soad, and Assed.Only two are still with us.As I'm researching our family history I'd appreciate any extra info about my grandfather which I really never got to know. I believe a stamp is not enough to commemorate his work .He should be listed in Libyan History as a person who did his best and gave everything he had to his people.

Happy Miloud

Happy Miloud to all!

Fact and Figures about Libya

Country name: Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahirya
Total area: 1,759,540 sq. km
Population (July 2004): 5,631,585
Currency: 1.2 dinar = $1 US
Capital: Tripoli
Head of state: Col. Moammar Abu Minyar al-Gadhafi
Government type: Republic with a General People's Congress, members elected by people's committees
Languages: Arabic, Italian and English widespread in major cities
Ethnic groups: Berber and Arab (97%)
Religion: Sunni Muslim (97%)
GDP (2004 est.): $35 billion
U.S.Key exports: The Libyan economy is largely dependent on oil exports, but the exports have been limited until recently due to international sanctions.
Other industries: Libya has been expanding its non-oil industries in recent years, until these industries, including petrochemical production, iron, steel and aluminum now account for 20 per cent of GDP. Climate and poor soil limit agriculture and Libya imports 75 per cent of its food. Life expectancy (2004): Men 74.1 years, Women 78.58 years
Infant mortality: 25.7 deaths for 1,000 live births
Literacy (2003): Female 72%, male 92.4%
Per capita purchasing power: (2004 est) $6,400
U.S.Oil production (2004 est): 1.429 million barrels/day