Tag Archives: Swaziland

According to allcountrylist, the economy of Swaziland is largely based on the agricultural sector and the export of natural resources such as sugar, timber, and citrus fruits. Agriculture accounts for around 40 percent of Swaziland’s GDP and employs the majority of the country’s population. The main crops grown in Swaziland are maize, sorghum, cassava, beans, and groundnuts. Sugarcane is also grown in some areas and is one of the country’s most important exports. In addition to these crops cattle are also widely farmed in Swaziland providing an important source of income for many rural families. Alongside agriculture, mining is another major industry in Swaziland with coal being mined in several areas as well as iron ore and asbestos. The mining sector contributes significantly to the economy with coal being exported to South Africa for use in power stations. Asbestos has also been mined since colonial times however this practice has largely been phased out due to health concerns. Swaziland’s manufacturing sector is relatively small but it does produce some consumer goods such as textiles and clothing which are mostly exported to other African countries. The service industry makes up a large portion of the economy with banking, finance and tourism all making up a significant portion of GDP. Tourism is an important industry with visitors coming from all over the world to experience traditional culture at local festivals such as Incwala or Umhlanga Reed Dance ceremonies held annually in August or September respectively. The government has taken steps towards diversifying its economy by encouraging foreign investment into other sectors such as manufacturing or technology but progress has been slow due to a lack of infrastructure and skilled workers. Despite this there have been some successes with a number of businesses setting up operations in Swaziland taking advantage of low-cost labor and generous tax incentives offered by the government. Swaziland agriculture has a long and proud history that dates back to the Iron Age. The traditional Swaziland diet was heavily reliant on agricultural products which included crops such as sorghum, millet, maize, beans, and peanuts. In addition to these staples, the Swazi people also grew various fruits and vegetables such as melons, pumpkins, squash, tomatoes and onions. In the 19th century, British colonists introduced new crops to Swaziland such as wheat and potatoes which allowed for increased production of food for both local consumption and export. This increase in agricultural production resulted in an improved standard of living for many Swazis as well as an increase in exports to other countries in the region. Today, Swaziland is still a major producer of agricultural products with maize being its most important crop followed by sorghum and cassava. Other important commodities grown in Swaziland include sugarcane, cotton, groundnuts (peanuts), beans and various fruits such as mangoes and oranges. In recent years there has been an increased focus on sustainable farming practices which has seen an increase in organic farming methods being adopted by farmers around the country. This shift towards organic farming has seen an increase in the production of crops such as quinoa which is becoming increasingly popular among consumers around the world due to its high nutritional value.