Consistent cooperative relations between the two countries have brought about a lasting and mutually-beneficial friendship. There is no bilateral economic or commercial agreement in effect between the two countries. B. Major Political Issues Affecting Business Climate Foreign-owned business has been the engine of the Swazi economy and is largely left alone. Historically, such attractions as old- fashioned labor laws, a supportive police force, and other structures protected expatriate business interests in Swaziland. Foreign-owned business, however, was not considered a participating entity in Swazi society.
Public authorities continue to be well disposed towards business.
Longstanding business interests are the basis on which both the political system in Swaziland and the more recent economic development have been built. This gap is widening and is a potential cleavage along which future political conflict could erupt. Urban areas are increasingly burdened with inflows of rural migrants driven from the countryside by drought and population growth. Yet tensions are building as the crisis of limited job availability cripples the ability of these cities to successfully absorb their growing populations. Swaziland is unusual among African countries in that the vast majority of the Kingdom's population belongs to the same ethnic group.