Zululand

Introduction

Zululand (zōˈlōlăndˌ) [key], historic region and home of the Zulus, c.10,000 sq mi (25,900 sq km), NE KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Zululand is bordered by the Indian Ocean on the east, by Mozambique on the north, and by Swaziland on the west. The terrain rises from a low coastal plain to the foothills of the Drakensberg Range. There are several game and forest reserves.

Although some corn is grown, the Zulu economy depends primarily on cattle raising. Zululand's two major commercial crops, sugarcane and cotton, are generally cultivated on white-owned coastal plantations. Sugar milling and some paper making are virtually the region's only industries. There is also considerable exploitation of wattle and eucalyptus.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.