There is also scope for taking advantage of the region's forests and cultural traditions to develop tourism, and there is much to learn from neighbouring Nordic countries in this regard. Its population growth is 3 percent per year. Agriculture including forestry represents 24.3 percent of GDP, while tourism accounts for 8 percent. The United Republic of Tanzania has experienced rapid economic growth rates of 6 to 7 percent per year over the last decade, and poverty incidence declined from 60 percent in 2007 to 47 percent in 2016, although population growth has prevented the absolute number of poor from falling. Mineral reserves are starting to be exploited, including natural gas. Forests cover 52 percent of the land area.