Area Code 25 – Zuara

Overview of Libya Area Code +218 25

Area code 25 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) within the Libyan telephone numbering plan, assigned under the international country calling code +218. This code serves the northwestern coastal city of Zuara (also spelled Zuwarah or Zwara) and its surrounding administrative district, located in the Tripolitania region near the Tunisian border. As a geographic code, it routes calls to fixed-line PSTN subscribers within a specific wireline exchange area, as opposed to non-geographic mobile or VoIP services.

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The +218 25 prefix covers Zuara Municipality and the immediate hinterland, including smaller settlements and agricultural communities along the Mediterranean coast. The area is part of the larger northwestern economic zone, with Zuara serving as a commercial hub for cross-border trade with Tunisia. The code is administered by the Libyan General Telecommunications Authority (GTA) and operated by the state-owned fixed-line operator (Libya Telecom & Technology, LTT), which manages the PSTN infrastructure in this region.

Dialing Formats and Caller Instructions

To call a fixed-line number in Zuara from abroad, dial the international access prefix (e.g., 00 or +), followed by the country code 218, the area code 25 (without the leading trunk prefix), and the local subscriber number. For example, a local number such as 1234567 would be dialed as +218 25 1234567 from outside Libya. Within Libya, callers must use the trunk prefix 0 before the area code: 025 1234567. Note that the local subscriber number length in Libya is typically 7 digits, making the total national significant number (NSN) 9 digits (excluding the trunk prefix).

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

As of the latest ITU-T E.164 national numbering plan data, there are no overlay codes for Zuara; the 25 code remains the sole geographic NDC for this area. However, due to the growth of mobile and VoIP services, fixed-line penetration in Zuara is limited, and many residents rely on mobile networks (e.g., 91, 92, 94 prefixes) for communication. Callers should be aware that numbers starting with +218 25 are exclusively fixed-line and cannot be reached via SMS or mobile data services.

Practical Tips for Callers

When calling from a foreign country, always replace the local trunk prefix (0) with the international access code and country code. For instance, a call from the United States to Zuara would be dialed as 011 218 25 1234567. If you experience difficulties, confirm the number length and ensure you have the correct area code, as misdialing may route to a different region. For business or personal contacts, it is advisable to verify whether the number is still active, as fixed-line services in some rural areas may be subject to infrastructure changes.