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 and platinum. The province is a typical developing area, exporting primary products, and importing manufactured goods and services. There is a mismatch between its economy and its fast-growing population.
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. Some commute each working day from their traditional villages to their places of employment. Inadequate infrastructure adds to these problems, especially concerning water supply, sanitation, energy and housing. Resources such as tourism, rainfed agriculture, minerals and the abundant labour force available in the province, are far from optimally utilised.