OBJECTIVES: To assess the level of Tuberculosis (TB) related knowledge among general public in North East Libya. METHODS: A cross sectional study was undertaken in 2009. A pre-validated questionnaire consisting of 23 items was sent to 1500 residents among five cities in North East Libya. In addition to the demographic details, the survey instrument was designed to collect information relating to transmission, diagnosis, risk factors, treatment and prevention of TB. All data was analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Descriptive analysis was used to present demographic data. Inferential statistics (Chi-square test and one-way ANOVA) were used whenever appropriate. P value of less than 0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: Majority of the respondents (n=965, 96.5%) have heard about TB. Television (n=447, 44.7%), health workers (n=242, 24%) and family members (n=189, 19%) were the main sources of knowledge regarding TB. Libyans (n=883, 88.3%) dominated the cohort, however the gender distribution was equal (n=500, 50%) for males and females. The overall knowledge towards TB among general population was measured as low. Mean knowledge score was 11.4±3.9 which was significantly higher among Libyans (11.7±3.8) than non Libyans (9.7±4.7, t=26.13) (P<0.001). In addition, respondents with tertiary education had significantly higher knowledge scores (11.8± 3.5) compared to those of intermediate (11.6± 4.4) and illiterate (7.7±5.5), [F=19.34, P=0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that knowledge towards TB within the population is poor. It is therefore suggested that specialized educational programs should be developed for community members to promote awareness towards TB.