…is rising exponentially, apparently.
last time i heard, there were around “140 different tribes and clans in Libya.” now i read that the tribal leaders from 851 tribes and tribal factions just got together for a little pep-rally! and these are just the ones (supposedly) supporting gaddafi:
Libyan Tribes Call for End to Armed Uprising
06/05/2011
“Journalists were told that about 2,000 chiefs representing 851 tribes and tribal factions were in attendance, at the convention that was organised by the tribes, not the regime. However it seems that the convention drew only limited participation, with only tribal chiefs from three regions of western and central Libya were present….”
number of tribes in libya? a LOT. (guess it depends on how you slice it.)
previously: libya – land o’ tribes
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hbd chick 
Tribes, tribal factions, clans, families. Sound like fluid terms. I wonder where they get these numbers in the first place. I suppose the reporters’ editors looked up the number in some anthropology textbook written by a college professor.