Tripoli facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tripoli
طرابلس الغرب
Tarabulus al-Gharb
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![]() Top:: That El Emad Towers; Middle: Martyrs' Square; Bottom left: Marcus Aurelius Arch; Bottom right: Souq al-Mushir – Tripoli Medina
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Country | Libya | |
Region | Greater Tripoli | |
Districts | 10 boroughs | |
First settled | 7th century BC (as Oea) | |
Founded by | Phoenicians | |
Area | ||
• Total | 400 km2 (200 sq mi) | |
Elevation | 81 m (266 ft) | |
Population
(2011)
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• Total | 2,220,000 | |
• Density | 4,500/km2 (12,000/sq mi) | |
Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) | |
Area code(s) | 21 | |
Website | www.tlc.gov.ly |
Tripoli is a large and important city in Libya, a country in North Africa. It is the capital of Libya. Over two million people live in the greater Tripoli area, making it the biggest city in the country.
Tripoli is located on the coast, right on the Mediterranean Sea. This location has made it a very important place for trade and travel for thousands of years.
Contents
Tripoli's Long History
Tripoli has a very old and interesting history. It was first settled by the Phoenicians in the 7th century BC. They were ancient traders who built cities all around the Mediterranean.
From Ancient Times to Today
Over the centuries, many different groups have ruled Tripoli. It was part of ancient Greek Cyrenaica and later became a Roman colony. For a time, it was even known as a pirate port! Later, it became the capital of the Italian empire in North Africa.
The Name Tripoli
The name "Tripoli" comes from Greek words meaning "three cities." This is because the area was once made up of three main cities that grew together.
Life in Modern Tripoli
Today, Tripoli is a busy and modern city, but it still has many historical parts. It is the center for business, government, and culture in Libya.
City Landmarks and Sights
Tripoli has many interesting places to visit. The old city, known as the Medina, is a maze of narrow streets, markets (called souqs), and historic buildings. You can find ancient Roman arches and old mosques there.
The Red Castle Museum
One of the most famous landmarks is the Red Castle Museum. It's located inside a very old castle and tells the story of Libya's past.
Martyrs' Square
Martyrs' Square is a large, open space in the city center. It's a popular meeting place and often hosts public events.
Sports and Recreation
Football is very popular in Tripoli. The city has large stadiums, like the June 11 Stadium, where local teams play. This stadium also hosted the final of the 1982 African Cup of Nations, a big football tournament.
Getting Around Tripoli
Tripoli has an international airport, Tripoli International Airport, which connects the city to other parts of the world. The city also has a port, which is important for trade.
Images for kids
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Historic map of Tripoli by Piri Reis
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The USS Philadelphia burning during the First Barbary War in 1804
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Ottoman Clock tower in Tripoli's old town medina
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June 11 Stadium, home to Al Ahly and Al Ittihad
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The old Tripoli Cathedral (now a mosque) and former FIAT centre in the 1960s