Misrata Travel information from LookLex / Libya Misrata

City in northwestern Libya with 380,000 inhabitants (2005 estimate), near the Mediterranean Sea. Misrataa is a coastal oasis fed by artesian wells, and is separated from the sea by a line of sand dunes, known as Cape Misrata.
From the 20th century, irrigation has made it possible with an effective agriculture. The main contributor to Misrata's economy is the new steel mill. Other industries include the production of carpets, textiles, baskets, pottery and some hardware. Misrata is also a market and administrative centre.
Misrata is excellently linked with other urban centres in Libya, being on the coastal highway between Tripoli and Benghazi.
Misrata has a few quarters of traditional narrow streets, of which many are covered. The modern town is a mixture of mainly Turkish and European elements, and is characterized by wide tree-lined avenues and public gardens.
Misrata does not have a university, but has a few factulties under the Tahiddi University of Sirt. There are in addition some institutions for higher education.

History
7th century: The town emerges as a caravan supply centre, known as Thubaqt.