The northern and eastern parts of this summer-rainfall region are subtropical with hot humid summers and mist in the mountainous parts. Winter throughout the province is mild and mostly frost-free. The Northern Province is rich in minerals, including copper, asbestos, coal, iron ore, platinum, chrome, diamonds and phosphates. The province is a typical developing area, exporting primary products, and importing manufactured goods and services. It has a high potential and capacity with the right kind of economic development and is an attractive location for investors.
Unemployment is high.
The per capita income is by far the lowest in the country. Many inhabitants earn their livelihood as migrant workers in Gauteng. Resources such as tourism, rain-fed agriculture, minerals and the abundant labour force available in the province, are far from optimally utilised and thus offer excellent investment opportunities.