Context
The chart above shows the evolution of street network disconnectedness of the most connected and most disconnected cities in Libya, for both new street additions (left) and the aggregate street network (right).
Libya in context: Street-network sprawl of new development
The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Libya peaked in 1976-1990. To get a sense of how street development has changed in Libya, we can consider three of its most populous regions: Tripoli, Benghazi and Misratah. None of the most populous cities follow the same trend as the region. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Tripoli peaked in 1991-2005. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Benghazi followed a zig-zag trend with an overall increase. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Misratah rose steadily.
How do development practices in Libya fare in comparison to others in the world? Most recently in 2006-2020, street construction in Libya was the 88th-most disconnected out of the 179 countries in the world. Its position in the ranks since 1975 has risen; relative to other countries in the world, street construction in Libya has become more disconnected. Libya ranked 96th in 1975, 131st in 1976-1990, 124th in 1991-2005 and 88th in 2006-2020.
The largest city in Libya is Tripoli, with a population of 1196400 people. Taking into account the entire (i.e. aggregate) street network in Tripoli as of 2020, the overall level of street-network sprawl is 4.04, which is sprawly. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Tripoli peaked in 1991-2005.
Libya in context: Aggregate street-network sprawl
As of 2020, the city with the most disconnected street network in Libya is Darnah with an SNDi of 7.19, which is very sprawly. Conversely, the most connected city is Ajdabiya with an SNDi of 1.82, which is very well-connected. See these two cities’ trends in the above graph, or dive deeper into each: Ajdabiya, Darnah.
The level of street-network sprawl in the aggregate network in Libya rose steadily. To get a sense of how the aggregate street network has changed in Libya, we can consider three of its most populous regions: Tripoli, Benghazi and Misratah. Disconnectivity in the most populous cities in Libya follow the same country trend.
To date, Libya is the 109th-most disconnected out of the 179 countries in the world. Its position in the ranks since 1975 has fallen; relative to other countries in the world, the street network in Libya has become more connected. Libya ranked 96th in 1975, 108th in 1976-1990, 116th in 1991-2005 and 109th in 2006-2020.
The largest city in Libya is Tripoli, with a population of 1196400 people. Taking into account the entire (i.e. aggregate) street network in Tripoli as of 2020, the overall level of street-network sprawl is 4.04, which is sprawly. The level of street-network sprawl in the aggregate network in Tripoli rose steadily.