Zaltan or Zelten is a city in the district of Nuqat al Khams of northwestern Libya

Libya

Libya is an African country in the Maghreb region of North Africa bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Egypt to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Chad and Niger to the south, and Algeria and Tunisia to the west....

. The city, which has a population of around 17,700 (2009), is on the Mediterranean coast. It is located around 140 kilometres (87 mi) west of Tripoli

Tripoli

Tripoli is the capital and largest city in Libya. It is also known as Western Tripoli , to distinguish it from Tripoli, Lebanon. It is affectionately called The Mermaid of the Mediterranean , describing its turquoise waters and its whitewashed buildings. Tripoli is a Greek name that means "Three...

.

History

The town has been in existence since, at least, Roman times. Archaeological excavations have uncovered, not only parts of the old town, but also Roman olive presses.

Economy

The surrounding area is primarily dryland farming with barley, wheat, olives, dates, citrus fruits, figs, and grapes raised for export. There is a secondary trade in livestock, primarily sheep, goats and camels, brought in from outlying communities. Salt has been collected in pans since Roman times. Zaltan's closeness to the Tunisia

Tunisia

Tunisia , officially the Tunisian RepublicThe long name of Tunisia in other languages used in the country is: , is the northernmost country in Africa. It is a Maghreb country and is bordered by Algeria to the west, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east. Its area...

n border has made Zaltan a regional center for trade. Olive oil and palm oil are produced locally.

Culture

There is a small museum in Zaltan displaying some of the local archaeological finds, and there is an annual poetry festival.

External links

• "Zaltan Map – Satellite Images of Zaltan", Maplandia