Day of Revenge settlers by the 1960s. The Italian population was concentrated in the coast around the cities of Tripoli (37 percent of its population) and Bengasi (31 percent). With the Italian defeat in World War II, Italian influence waned. After several years under British mandate, on 24 December 1951 Libya declared its independence as the United Kingdom of Libya (a constitutional, hereditary monarchy under King Idris). Although many Italians had already left the former colony, many remained (primarily farmers and craftsmen). King Idris was a tolerant monarch, and generally treated the Italian population well. Libyan Jews (who had lived in Libya since
Line of succession to the former Italian throne Line of succession to the former Italian throne The Italian monarchy was abolished in June 1946 following a referendum which established a republic. The present pretender is in dispute between Vittorio Emanuele, Prince of Naples and Prince Amedeo, Duke of Aosta. Vittorio Emanuele is the son of the last king, Umberto II and was regarded as the head of the House of Savoy unopposed until 7 July 2006 when the Duke of Aosta declared himself to be the head of the house and Duke of Savoy. The heirs to his claim, in order of succession, are numbered below: The Duke