# Al Bayda > city in Libya **Wikidata**: [Q35784](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q35784) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayda,_Libya) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/al-bayda ## Summary Al Bayda is a major city in northeastern Libya, serving as the capital of the Jabal al Akhdar district. With a population of 250,000, it is a significant urban center in the region, known for its historical sites and administrative importance. Located at an elevation of 623 meters above sea level, the city combines modern infrastructure with a rich historical background dating back to ancient times. ## Key Facts - Al Bayda is a city, municipality, and "big city" in Libya, with a total area of 155.54 square kilometers. - Founded in 1840, it is situated at coordinates 32.7628° N, 21.755° E and lies 623 meters above sea level. - The city serves as the capital of Jabal al Akhdar and is located within the same district. - As of the provided data, its population is 250,000, and its UN/LOCODE is LYABA. - Al Bayda has been known by multiple aliases, including Bayda, Baida, and Beda Littoria, and its official name in Arabic is البيضاء. - The city is distinct from "Al Bayda'" (different_from) and has been documented in historical sources such as Pauly–Wissowa under the ancient name Balagrae. - Administrative and geographic identifiers include a geonames ID (89055), GND ID (10047519-X), and OpenStreetMap node ID (288491858). - Vehicle license plates in Al Bayda use the code "2," and the local timezone is UTC+02:00. - The city is categorized under WikiProjects Cities, Libya, and Africa, and its heritage is recorded in the Heritage Gazetteer of Libya (ID 1179) and the Digital Atlas of the Roman Empire (ID 23597). ## FAQs - **Where is Al Bayda located?** Al Bayda is situated in northeastern Libya, within the Jabal al Akhdar district, at coordinates 32.7628° N, 21.755° E. It is elevated at 623 meters above sea level. - **What is the historical significance of Al Bayda?** The city has historical roots dating back to ancient times, referenced as "Balagrae" in the Pauly–Wissowa encyclopedia. Modern Al Bayda was founded in 1840 and features landmarks like the Odeon. - **How is Al Bayda administratively recognized?** It is the capital of the Jabal al Akhdar district, a municipality of Libya, and classified as a "big city." Its administrative codes include a UN/LOCODE (LYABA) and a license plate code (2). - **What distinguishes Al Bayda from similar entities?** The city is differentiated from "Al Bayda'" (a distinct entity) and is notable for its elevation, population size, and historical sites like the Odeon. It also has unique identifiers in platforms like GeoNames (ID 89055) and Archinform (ID 51902). - **How is Al Bayda represented online?** The city has a dedicated Wikipedia page ("Bayda, Libya"), a Facebook location ID (103770562995356), and a Google Play store ID. It is categorized in Wikidata and featured in projects like the Digital Atlas of the Roman Empire. ## Why It Matters Al Bayda holds significance as a historical, administrative, and cultural hub in eastern Libya. Its founding in 1840 and ancient roots (as Balagrae) highlight its enduring role in the region. As the capital of Jabal al Akhdar, it serves as a focal point for governance and community life. The city’s population of 250,000 underscores its importance as a urban center, while its elevation and geographic position contribute to its strategic relevance. Al Bayda’s inclusion in international gazetteers and academic projects further solidifies its place in both Libyan and global historical narratives. ## Notable For - Serves as the capital of Libya’s Jabal al Akhdar district. - Features the ancient Odeon landmark and historical ties to the Roman-era site Balagrae. - Elevation of 623 meters above sea level, offering a unique geographic profile. - Population of 250,000, making it one of Libya’s larger urban centers. - Documented in prestigious historical and academic sources like Pauly–Wissowa and the Heritage Gazetteer of Libya. ## Body ### Geography and Location Al Bayda is nestled in northeastern Libya within the Jabal al Akhdar (Green Mountain) district. It spans 155.54 square kilometers and is situated at coordinates 32.7628° N, 21.755° E. The city’s elevation of 623 meters above sea level distinguishes it from coastal regions, contributing to its cooler climate compared to other Libyan cities. ### History Founded in 1840, Al Bayda’s history extends to antiquity. The city is linked to the ancient site of Balagrae, documented in the Pauly–Wissowa encyclopedia, reflecting its role in Roman-era trade and culture. Modern Al Bayda emerged as a strategic settlement, later becoming the administrative heart of Jabal al Akhdar. ### Administrative Status As the capital of Jabal al Akhdar, Al Bayda houses key governmental and municipal institutions. It is classified as a "big city" and municipality under Libyan administrative divisions. The city’s UN/LOCODE (LYABA) and license plate code (2) further formalize its status in national infrastructure. ### Demographics With a population of 250,000, Al Bayda is a major urban center in eastern Libya. Its demographic significance is reflected in categories for people born or associated with the city (Q9223461, Category:People of Al Bayda), highlighting its social and cultural influence. ### Cultural and Historical Significance The city is home to the Odeon, a historic amphitheater showcased in its Wikimedia Commons category (El Bayda'). Al Bayda’s heritage is preserved in international registries like the Heritage Gazetteer of Libya (ID 1179) and the Digital Atlas of the Roman Empire (ID 23597), emphasizing its cross-cultural historical importance. ### Infrastructure and Identification Al Bayda operates on the UTC+02:00 timezone and is identified by numerous global systems, including GeoNames (ID 89055), OpenStreetMap (node ID 288491858), and Archinform (ID 51902). These identifiers facilitate its recognition in geographic, academic, and digital contexts. ### Online Presence and Research The city is extensively documented across platforms: it has a Wikipedia page in over 100 languages, a Facebook location ID, and a Google Play store presence. Al Bayda is also a subject of academic and cultural projects, such as WikiProjects Cities, Libya, and Africa, ensuring its representation in collaborative knowledge-building initiatives. ## References 1. GEOnet Names Server. 2018 2. [Source](http://ar.thetimenow.com/libya) 3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 4. [Source](https://vici.org/vici/2453) 5. GeoNames 6. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/ly.htm) 7. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)