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 20th century, it went into decline but since the 1980s economic performance has improved.

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

Agriculture in the UK employs about half a million people and provides three-quarters of the country's needs. The land in the west and northeast are better for grazing livestock while the southeast and east are better for crops. Farmers grow cereals like wheat and barley and keep animals like cattle, pigs sheep and chickens. The farming area covers about 77% of the land.

Fishing

The main fishing activity is in the North Sea but British fish are threatened by the foreign fishing fleets. Fish stocks are declining from the competition.

Mining and energy

In the UK, there are large deposits of coal and iron ore but now sources of natural gas and oil are more important. Britain has the largest oilfields in the North Sea. These deposits provide 65% of the country's needs for major use.

Energy

More than 70% of its electricity comes from gas-powered stations. The government encourages the generation and use of renewable sources such as wind power. Britain still has nuclear power stations.

UK - Manufacturing

The UK is an important manufacturing nation and it was famous for the production. Many of the traditional industries have declined but now about 5.3 million employees work in manufacturing and production. Most factories are in the heavily populated areas and the number of people working in factories has declined recently.

Engineering

Products include machine tools, electrical engineering equipment, heavy machinery, transport equipment, aerospace equipment, and space satellites. British car companies have also developed.

Electronics and telecommunications

Large multinationals such as Sony have factories producing computers and telecommunications equipment. British firms make leaders in new fields. London and Cardiff are important centres.

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 from the 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.