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Other nations soon followed this precedent and the 1970s Arab petro-boom began. Libya was in a prime position to reap the benefits. With production levels matching the Gulf states, and one of the smallest populations in Africa (less than 3m at the time), the black gold made it rich quickly. Rather than persevering with the doctrines of Arab Nationalism, or following the glittering excesses of Gulf consumerism, Gaddafi’s innately mercurial character led him and Libya on a new path.
