Importance of agriculture to the economy
Although agriculture contributed only an estimated 7% of the total GDP in 1991, it is considered essential to the economy of the country, mainly as a source of food and foreign exchange earnings generated by the export of fruits, vegetables and eggs, in particular, and of cereals, sugar, vegetable oils and livestock products. Food products accounted for 17.5% of industrial export earnings in 1993. Viticulture is also important. The rural population constitutes about 26% of the total, and agriculture employed 8% of the labour force in 1992. Both figures represent a steady decline from the 1970 figures of 40.6% and 19.8%, respectively.
Sectoral Contributions to GDP and Employment
Source: Europa World Yearbook, 1994
