What is Mafia Island s economy like?
Most people on Mafia Island earn their incomes with fishing, with lobsters, prawns, squid and octopus being the most popular targets. There is also some small-scale agriculture, focused mostly coconuts and cashews. Many women make mats to supplement family incomes. Tourism is bringing more and more money to the island, as it is a popular destination for scuba divers, fishermen and travelers looking for a quiet, uncrowded place. Overall the country is quite poor. Electricity is unavailable except in the capital and in the tourist area of Utende; few private houses have running water. There are few roads or vehicles, and most people ride bicycles or walk for transportation. Each village has its own primary school, but there are only one or two secondary schools on the entire island.
