ZAWIYAH, AZ-

town, situated on the Mediterranean coast about 30 miles (50 km) west of Tripoli, northwestern Libya. Lying on Al-Jifarah plain, it is near the site of an important oil field and has the country's first oil refinery. Agriculture is prominent in the area because of the ample groundwater resources. The main crops are potatoes, onions, and tomatoes; livestock are also raised. The coastal highway passes through the town. Pop. (1988 est.) 89,338.