ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an overview of Swaziland's changing economic geography and of new visions and potential for reviving economic growth, reducing inequalities and reducing poverty. Swaziland's geographical position has placed the country in a precarious position with respect to other southern African countries. Political tensions and reforms in South Africa have had significant impacts on Swaziland's political and economic stability. Mining was virtually the only industry in Swaziland. The major focus of Swazi mining has now shifted towards coal and diamonds. Until the late 1980s, approximately 80 per cent of the value added by the manufacturing sector was derived from industries processing Swaziland's agricultural and forestry products, notably wood pulp, timber, sugar, fruit, cotton and meat. Tourism continues to play an important role in the national economy with the majority of tourists drawn from South Africa. Swaziland faces a number of social and economic challenges in the context of globalisation and a situation of peripheral dependence.
