As of 2024, the top 1% in Libya earned 16.76% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 15.22%. Libya’s income inequality has remained relatively stable since 1980, when the top 1% share was 16.26%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Libya in 2024
In 2024, income in Libya was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 16.76% of total national income, which is roughly on par with the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 15.22% of income, roughly on par with the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Libya | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 16.76% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 47.15% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 15.22% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Libya?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Libya’s top 1% has remained relatively stable over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 16.26% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 0.50 percentage points to 16.76%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Libya has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 46.87% while the bottom 50% received 15.10%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 47.15% and 15.22% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 16.26% | 46.87% | 15.10% | 31.77 pp |
| 1986 | 15.91% | 46.76% | 15.06% | 31.70 pp |
| 1992 | 15.13% | 46.51% | 15.04% | 31.47 pp |
| 1998 | 15.15% | 46.58% | 15.05% | 31.53 pp |
| 2004 | 15.62% | 47.06% | 14.94% | 32.12 pp |
| 2010 | 15.17% | 46.14% | 15.36% | 30.78 pp |
| 2016 | 16.32% | 46.98% | 15.25% | 31.73 pp |
| 2022 | 16.76% | 47.16% | 15.22% | 31.94 pp |
How Libya Compares Globally
Libya vs Africa Average
Compared to other countries in Africa, Libya’s top 1% income share of 16.76% is slightly higher than the regional average of 15.62%. The bottom 50% in Libya receives 15.22% of income, compared to the Africa average of 13.46%.
Where Libya Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Libya ranks 70th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Libya ranks 86th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Libya include El Salvador's wealth gap, income distribution in Myanmar, Dominican Republic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Libya?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Libya earned 16.76% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Libya?
Income inequality in Libya has remained relatively stable since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 16.26% in 1980 to 16.76% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Libya?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Libya received 15.22% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 47.15%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.