The Nyikó valley is one of the most picturesque sites in Transylvania. Rolling hills, mountain streams, lush pastures, productive orchards, and hilltop churches dominate the landscape. Székelyszentmihály is an agricultural community of 400 people that in earlier times derived almost its entire livelihood from its livestock, orchards, and fields. As much as half its income came from milk sales.
In recent years small-scale industries have begun reshaping the community’s profile. A locally owned firm employs 10 people to manufacture antennae and other communications equipment. This factory is well managed, ecologically clean, and offers living wages to their employees. A second business, a locally owned construction company, has about 30 workers.