Stefania Christianou Source: ILSP © ILSP

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Agriculture is the main revenue, as 45% of the population works in this sector. The region of Xanthi produces the renowned aromatic tobacco. Although it has been the main source of income for the area, the production has been shrinking due to the anti-smoking campaign. Cotton, wheat, corn, kiwi and vegetables are also cultivated in the plain. In the Vistonic bay fish is abundant and in the lake of Porto Lagos there are fish farms. At Oraio the restaurants serve trout from the little rivers of Haindous and throughout the Rhodope range aromatic herbs are easily found, such as oregano, theme, marjoram, tea, rosemary and sage. The subsoil is rich in mineral wealth (marble, granite, graphite, geothermal field). The region has a developed industrial zone, with sugar factories, tobacco factories, flour industries and textile factories.
Building works are under development despite a decline which became evident after 2008. Xanthi is famous for the local sweets, such as carioca, soutzuk loukum, halvas, syrup sweets, etc. and for its dried fruits and nuts. In the Saturday bazaar garments and food are on sale.
The area had attracted numerous industries and factories in the past as it was protected by laws for development. Nevertheless, the economic crisis has affected production and some units have closed down, for instance the association factories.