UK Economy

UK - Agriculture and mining

The UK had the most important economy in the world in the 19th century. During the industrial revolution in the 18th century, it was the first to develop, but since the 1990s, economic performance has improved.

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

Agriculture in the UK employs about half a million people. It is among the most important producers of barley, wheat, sugar beet, potatoes, beef, and lamb along with milk and eggs. The south and east are fertile and produce the largest amount of wheat and barley. Sheep use open fields and cliffs to keep the land in the north.

In England, only about 12% of the land is used for arable farming. Livestock is mainly found in the north. Forestry and fishing are affected by the competition from the foreign fishing fleet.

Mining and energy

In the UK, there are large deposits of coal and iron ore, but now services, not manufacturing, are the main components of the nation. These operations are located in the Midlands. The UK provides for three quarters from good coal and gas imported from western Europe. The government promotes the use of renewable sources such as wind power, biofuels, and nuclear power stations.

UK - Manufacturing

The UK is an important manufacturing nation, famous for production. Many of the traditional industries have declined since the 1970s as heavy industries shifted overseas, and the number of people working in factories has recently declined.

Engineering

Products include machine tools, electrical engineering equipment, heavy vehicles, and transport equipment. Aerospace equipment and space satellites. British car companies have also been produced.

Electronics and telecommunications

Large multinationals such as Sony have factories producing computers and other electronic equipment. British firms like P are leaders in advanced technologies and communication equipment. London and Cardiff are important centers.

Chemicals

Important companies include Shell (petrochemicals), Glaxo Wellcome (pharmaceuticals), and ICI.

Textiles and clothing

The wool industry is still important, but factories making clothing and shoes are declining due to competition.

Food processing

Food like sweets, biscuits, and beer are exported, and whisky is an important export from Scotland.

Other important manufacturing industries include paper production, printing, and publishing. British firms are leaders in new fields, and the construction industry is also a major employer.

UK - Agriculture and mining

The UK had the most important economy in the world in the 19th century. During the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, the UK had a decline, but since the 1990s economic performance has improved.

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

Agriculture in the UK employs about half a million people. Ploughing and grazing are seasonal. The southeast and east are better for arable farming, while the northwest and the west are better for pastoral farming. Cattle and dairy cows are kept, and sheep are important livestock in hill areas. The world looks to keep beef and chickens.

The UK imports about 57% of its food needs. Forests and woodland cover about 12% of the land. Fishing is declining mostly due to competition by the foreign fishing fleet.

Mining and energy

In the UK, there is the largest deposit of coal and iron ore, but new sources have come up from gas and oil extracted from the North Sea. These deposits are being exhausted, so its oil fields are located in the North Sea. Nuclear energy provides for three quarters from goals and electricity. Most power stations use petroleum.

To reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, the government plans to save energy and make use of renewable sources such as wind power, solar panels, and hydroelectric power stations.

UK - Manufacturing

The UK is an important manufacturing nation and was famous for mass production. Many of the traditional industries have declined, but manufacturing and high technology are formed of products. Most factories are in the heavily populated areas, and the number of people working in factories has recently declined.

Engineering

Products include machine tools, electrical engineering equipment, heavy and light industrial equipment, aerospace equipment, and space satellites. British car companies have also declined.

Electronics and telecommunications

Large multinationals (such as Sony) have factories producing computers and office equipment, optical fibers. British firms like P are leaders in optical fibers and communication equipment. London and Cardiff are important centers.

Chemicals

Important companies include Shell (Petrochemicals), Glaxo Wellcome (Pharmaceuticals), and ICI.

Textiles and clothing

The wool industry is still important, but factories making clothing and shoes are declining due to competition.

Food processing

Food like sweets, biscuits, and beer are exported, and Whisky is also important from Scotland.

Other important manufacturing industries include paper production, printing, and publishing. British firms are leaders in new fields, and the construction industry is also a major employer.