OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge of Libyan and non Libyan populations residing in North Eat Libya with regards to the etiology, transmission, risk factor, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Tuberculosis (TB). METHODS: A cross sectional study was undertaken in 2009. A pre-validated questionnaire was sent to 1500 residents residing in five cities of North East Libya. Questionnaire included respondent’s demographics, general knowledge, transmission, diagnosis, risk factors, treatment and prevention of TB. All data was analyzed using SPSS version 17. Chi-square and one-way ANOVA were used whenever appropriate. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Out of 1500 questionnaires, 1000 were received (response rate 0f 66.6%). Majority of the respondents were Libyans (n = 883; 88.3 %) while 117 (11.7%) were non Libyans. Fifty three percent (n=474) of Libyans respondents were females while seventy four percent (n=87) of non Libyans respondents were males. Forty eight per cents (n=420) of Libyans and forty four percent (n= 51) of non Libyans were categorized in 25–40 years age group. Majority (n=529; 59.9%) of Libyans respondents had high level of education while non Libyans respondents (n= 61; 52.1) had intermediate education. Knowledge score was significantly higher among Libyans (11.7 ± 3.8) than non Libyans (9.7± 4.7, t = 26.13), (P <0.001).  A significant difference was noted when Libyans and non Libyans were compared with age, gender and tertiary educations level (P <0.001). No significant differences were seen among other demographic variables and knowledge scores. CONCLUSIONS: : The present study findings showed that overall level of knowledge of Libyans and non Libyans respondents was low; however, Libyans had more knowledge than non Libyans about TB. There is a need of massive health education campaign by policy makers in order to improve the population’s knowledge towards TB.