Manzini is the second largest city in Swaziland. It is situated in the heavily populated Middle Veld region, south east of the capital Mbabane and just north of the Great Usutu River and has a population in excess of 20,000. It is an important commercial, agricultural, and industrial centre,  cultivating corn (maize), cotton, tobacco, and some fruit. Dairy and beef cattle are also raised, and Swaziland's main meat-processing plant, creamery, grain mill, cotton ginnery, and fruit-canning factory are located in and around Manzini. It has an international airport 8 kilometres from the city centre.