The Colony of
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Economy

Minerals, gold, and agriculture are the main foreign exports of SCR. Tourism also plays a key role in its economy, particularly in the lush, forested north. The SCR's second largest city of Bulawayo plays an important starting out spot for tourism in the area.

The mining sector remains very lucrative, with some of the world's largest platinum reserves being mined by Anglo American plc and Colonial Platinum. The 'High plateau' diamond fields, discovered in 1978, are considered the biggest diamond find in over a century. They have the potential to improve the fiscal situation of the country considerably, but mass scale mining of the region is difficult due to its partial inclusion in 'Leopard Rock National Forest' - arguably one of the most beautiful parks in Africa.

In terms of carats produced, the 'Umtata' field is one of the largest diamond producing projects in the world, estimated to produce 12 million carats in 2014 worth over $350 million. The SCR is the biggest trading partner of South Africa on the continent.

The eastern provinces of 'Mount Darwin' & 'Matange' are known for their dry, high altitude red wines. Merlot is well known in the area, and the main export for the region, bringing in hard currency at a local level which enables the area to have a very developed infrastructure & level of security. A large retirement community has developed & and continues to grow in the area, due to its 'champagne' high altitude air quality & long dry summers.

The state airline Air Rhodesia is a profitable carrier, which has direct air routes to most major European capital cities - and to Chicago, New York & Atlanta via Cairo. Future routes currently under investigation for feasibility are Seattle (via Toronto), & Miami direct, however the latter is dependant on new DC10 aircraft joining the fleet.

The current fleet:

14 x L1011 Tristar (European & North American destinations, also Cairo)
10 x A310-200 (Intra - African destinations)
7 x DC10 (on order, for direct American routes)
8 x 727-200 (domestic & regional)

It is also a major cargo operator helping export SCR's industrial products globally.
The cargo fleet is currently 12 cargo converted A310-200's with orders for another 2.

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