Zaltan

{{For|the oil field|Zelten oil field}}

{{Infobox settlement

| official_name = Zaltan

| other_name = Zelten

| native_name = زلطن

| nickname =

| settlement_type = Town

| motto =

| image_skyline = زلطن_جزيرة_فروة_لسان_رملي.jpg

| image_caption =

| image_flag =

| image_seal =

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| map_caption =

| pushpin_map = Libya

| pushpin_label_position = bottom

| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Libya

| subdivision_type = Country

| subdivision_name = {{flag|Libya}}

| subdivision_type1 = District

| subdivision_name1 = Nuqat al Khams

| subdivision_type2 =

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| government_footnotes =

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| population_as_of = 2009

| population_footnotes =

| population_note =

| population_total = 17700

| population_density_km2 = auto

| timezone = EET

| utc_offset = +2

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| coordinates = {{coord|32|57|00|N|11|51|57|E|region:LY|display=inline,title}}

| elevation_footnotes =

| elevation_m = 4

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| registration_plate_type = License Plate Code

| registration_plate = 61

}}

Zaltan or Zelten ({{langx|ar|زلطن}}) is a town in the district of Nuqat al Khams of northwestern Libya. The town, which has a population of around 17,700 (2009),[https://archive.today/20130105155912/http://www.world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?x=1134803708&men=gpro&lng=en&des=gamelan&geo=-133&srt=epnn&col=abcdefghimoq&msz=1500&pt=c&va=&geo=442639187], World Gazetteer is on the Mediterranean coast. It is located around {{convert|140|km}} west of Tripoli.

History

The town has been in existence at least since Roman times. Archaeological excavations have uncovered parts of the old town as well as Roman olive presses.

Economy

The surrounding area is used primarily in dryland farming with barley, wheat, olives, dates, citrus fruits, figs, and grapes grown 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 proximity to the Tunisian border has made Zaltan a regional center for trade. Olive and palm oil are produced locally.

Culture

There is a small museum in Zaltan displaying some of the local archaeological finds. An annual poetry festival is also held in the town.

See also

Notes

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