Industry

Great Britain is one of the world's leading industrialized nations. Its prosperity has been dependent upon the export of manufactured goods. It has achieved this position despite the lack of most raw materials needed for industry. It must also import 40% of its food supplies.

Within the manufacturing sector, the largest industries include machine tools; electric power, automation, and railroad equipment; ships; aircraft; motor vehicles and parts; electronic and communications equipment; metals; chemicals; coal; petroleum; paper and printing; food processing; textiles; and clothing.

The main industrial and commercial areas are the great conurbations, where about one third of the country's population lives. Areas like south Wales, central Scotland, the north of England, the Midlands, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, West Yorkshire and Newcastle are important industrial centres. The administrative and financial centre and the most important port is Greater London, which also has various manufacturing industries. London is Europe's foremost financial city.

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*gross domestic product (GDP) – валовой внутренний продукт

*G7 – the seven major industrialized nations, including the US, Canada, Great Britain, Germany, France, Italy and Japan, whose leaders and officials convene from time to time to discuss economic and political issues