What is one characteristic of a traditional economy?

A traditional economy is primarily characterized by its reliance on customs, traditions, and bartering as the means of exchange rather than monetary transactions. In such economies, goods and services are typically exchanged directly without the use of currency, reflecting a system that often emphasizes subsistence farming, hunting, gathering, or artisanal production. This characteristic highlights how individuals and communities within traditional economies utilize direct exchanges to meet their needs based on established social and cultural practices.

The other options represent features more aligned with different economic systems. For instance, reliance on manufacturing industries aligns with a more industrial or market economy, dependence on currency and global trade suggests a modern capitalist system, and central planning by the government is indicative of a command economy. These distinctions help clarify the foundational principles that define traditional economies in contrast to other types.