11 Things You Didn’t Know About Libya Under Gaddafi’s ‘Dictatorship’

3. Healthcare and Education Were All Free

Under Gaddafi’s rule, Libyans had access to any kind of medical care they required. What’s more, Gaddafi insisted that the country’s children get a good education, as well. Sure, his own writing was required reading, but students were encouraged to pursue their educational desire to the extent that — should the country not offer their desired course of study — the Libyan government would fund their studies abroad. In fact, under Gaddafi’s rule, the literacy rate in Libya rose from 25 percent to 83 percent.