The main features of the placement of industry in the UK are the industry center Branches of specialization and territorial organization of the UK economy. The largest TNCs, small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK
Despite the small territory of England, its economic and industrial development has a significant impact on the situation not only in Europe, but in the whole world. Industry in England makes up 30% of the total GDP, it is focused mainly on the export of its products.
Preconditions for the Industrial Revolution in England
The agrarian revolution of the 15th-16th centuries is the main prerequisite for the industrial revolution that took place in England. After its implementation, high-quality agriculture developed at a rapid pace, which was developed on a farm basis. English farmers are active in farming, constantly improving agriculture and agricultural technology. Crop rotation and sowing of grass are spreading. Steam plows, drainage works, steam engines are widely used, mineral fertilizers are actively used.
Agrarian transformations led to the release of a large number of people and formed a reserve of a single national market, stimulating development economic activity... The foreign economic prerequisites for the development of the industrial revolution in England were the reckless robberies of the colonies.
England at the end of the 18th century turned into a large colonial and maritime world state. Huge profits, which were provided by the dominance in world trade, the use of the wealth of North America, India and other colonial possessions, were fully invested in the industry of England.
Remark 1
The geographic location of Great Britain was extremely favorable for the industrial revolution, as well as the natural and economic conditions of England - convenient harbors, water communications, large deposits of coal and iron ore, and the availability of mineral raw materials for the textile industry.
Foreign economic conditions of the industrial revolution and development of England
The constant and stable demand of Europe for the products of England, which is caused by the incessant wars, provided her with a sales market and also influenced the emergence of the industrial revolution. An important role in this was played by the policy of mercantilism and protectionism, which was implemented by the British government.
Remark 2
The key factor of the industrial revolution was access to high-quality and technical new level cotton industry, which was ensured by the phased introduction of new mechanisms and machines into industrial production.
Weaving processes have lagged slightly behind mechanized yarns for some time. However, this discrepancy was soon eliminated by the development and implementation of a new loom by E. Cartwright, which was invented in 1785. He replaced the work of 45 weavers. This is how the first machines and factories appeared in the industry of England. In the 80s. XVIII, this equipment appeared in other branches of British industry.
In the history of the development of industry in England, the invention of the Scottish mechanic James Watt, who invented the steam engine in 1769, is of epochal importance. Watt improved it in 1782, and since that time the steam engine has been the main source of energy for the textile industry in England.
Thanks to this invention, coal has become widely used as the main fuel. The dependence on the water engine was eliminated, new regions of the country were opened up for industry. Soon after the opening of factories of steam engines, they began to be actively used in various industries.
Richard Arkwright created the world's first weaving machine in 1771, and in 1785 Court invented a method for producing pure iron. During this period, it was actively developing coal mining for industrial purposes. As a result of the transition from manufacturing to factory production in the 60s. In the 18th century, optimal and favorable conditions were created for the start of the industrial revolution. Big capital, free labor, and the presence of an internal market have become good conditions for this.
The use of machines greatly accelerated the development of the coal industry and metallurgy. Mechanical engineering was formed, at the heart of which was the widespread use of a lathe and a drilling machine. The growth of production and industry in England led to the emergence of new vehicles. The presence of the steam engine made it possible to use it in sea and rail transport.
In 1812, for the first time in England, a steamer was launched, at the same time experiments on the railway began. R. Trevtik and J. Stephenson built several models of steam carts and a self-propelled steam power plant, which was invented on the basis of the steam engine. In 1831, a railway was built, which connected Liverpool and Manchester, it was of great economic importance. Building railroad caused fundamental changes in the economy of England, forming stable communications between various industries and regions of the country.
Industrial translation radically changed the economic geography of England. New industrial regions were formed that specialized in specific types of products. The volume of industrial production has grown rapidly. England in the middle of the 19th century transformed into a world "workshop", which produced about half of the world's industrial production. She took a major place in international politics and world economy.
The industrial and commercial hegemony of England was provoked by the country's economic policy. When industrialization was not yet complete, the country was dominated by customs duties on foreign goods.
Definition 1
When British industry grew stronger and ceased to be afraid of foreign competition, it proclaimed unlimited opportunities for trade - free trade (free trade).
Its essence was the complete exemption from duty on all products that are imported into England. Free trading was designed for:
- countercancellation of the duty;
- a significant reduction in duties on the export of British goods to other countries.
Thanks to this, England was provided with free marketing of its products abroad, as well as cheap imported raw materials and food. The development of machine production gave an impetus to England to form social structure industrial society. The industrial proletariat made up almost 50% of the employed working population. Urbanization transformed England into a country of cities and factory settlements. At the end of the 19th century, almost 70% of the population lived in cities.
Modern industry in England
Today in England the following industries are most developed:
- Oil industry. England is engaged in oil production from its own sources and refines raw materials from other countries. It is one of the ten oil-producing countries in the world. The most famous oil field in England is Fortis and Brent. In the country on this moment 9 specialized oil refineries operate.
- Minerals. More than 85 gas fields have been discovered in England, the production of which began in the 60s. last century. The produced gas is sold on the domestic English market.
- Metallurgy. Deposits of iron ore, coal and limestone make England the 8th largest steel producer in the world. Non-ferrous metallurgy is considered the most developed throughout Europe, despite the fact that the country operates at the expense of foreign raw materials.
- Mechanical engineering. This industry is the most extensive in England. The first place belongs to transport engineering. For example, JCB is a leader in construction equipment. Also England occupies a leading position in the supply of trucks selling products to the markets of Iran, USA, New Zealand and South Africa. I also produce cars in the country - Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Land Rover. Recently, the production of machine tools has increased, thanks to which England has risen to 6th place in the world ranking of this industry.
- Power engineering. Correctly constructed economic system allows consumers and large industries not to experience a shortage of electricity. Many thermal power plants in England run on coal, but recently petroleum products have begun to be used.
- Chemical industry. The basis of this industry is oil and gas products, so the range of products manufactured is strictly limited. These include pharmaceuticals, plastics, which are used in electronics and aircraft rocketry, as well as chemical substances for agriculture and land industry.
- Textile industry. This direction is considered traditional for England: the production of wool, silk, cotton fabrics is famous for its high-quality products all over the world.
- Manufacturing industry. A significant part of the capacity is allocated to the printing industry and Food Industry... In recent decades, it is food products that have been the most demanded products for export. Therefore, the whole world knows about whiskey, English tea and tobacco.
Despite the successful conduct of industrial activities, England continues to develop actively. After the emergence of new industries and automation of production, the country's economic performance is growing rapidly. If you believe the forecasts of experts, in the future British goods will occupy the first positions in the world rankings, not only in terms of quantitative assessment, but also in terms of qualitative criteria. It is quality that is a traditional feature of the national mentality of England.
by geography
pupils of grade 10 "4" of school number 1840
Olga's butler
Theme: "UK"
Moscow
year 2001
EGP characteristic.
Great Britain (United Kingdom) - Island state, most of the territory of which is located on two large islands separated by the waters of the Irish Sea. The total area of Great Britain is 244,017 sq. km. The population of Great Britain is 58 395 thousand people.
The country is officially called the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It consists of four countries: England, Scotland and Wales, located on the island of Britain, and Northern Ireland. The latter is located on the same island as the Independent Republic of Ireland. Thus, Great Britain has a common land border only with Ireland.
The British Isles lie off the northwest coast of Europe. The British Isles are surrounded by many small islands. The Isles of Scilly are located southwest of the Isle of Britain and the Isle of Anglesey to the north of Wales. On the west and north coasts of Scotland there are numerous small islands that make up the UK. The most important of these are the Orkney Shetland Islands.
From the west, Great Britain is washed by waters Atlantic Ocean, and from the east - by the waters of the North Sea.
From the south, Great Britain borders on France - the closest and most developed neighbor, having common water borders with it. The shortest distance to the northern coast of France is the Strait of Dover, but the main communication between the states is through the English Channel, called the "English Channel" by the British, along the bottom of which a high-speed railway tunnel was built at the end of the twentieth century. Prior to this, communication between the two countries was carried out by water or air.
Also, the closest neighbors of Great Britain are Belgium and the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Norway are located much further.
Thus, the EGP of Great Britain is both neighborly and seaside, which is extremely beneficial for economic development the country, although, undoubtedly, has certain disadvantages strategically and militarily.
The administrative map of Great Britain has changed several times, tk. the accession of the countries that make up the United Kingdom lasted for centuries. Each once independent state has its own capital or administrative center. The official capital of Great Britain is London, since the unification of lands took place around England.
In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Great Britain, being in first place in the world in terms of economic development, created a colossal colonial power that occupied almost a quarter of the planet's territory. The British colonies included India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and much of Africa. In the twentieth century, the English colonies became independent states, but many of them are part of the British Commonwealth, headed by the British monarch. In 1921 the southern part of Ireland seceded from Great Britain and became an independent state.
Modern administrative divisions of Great Britain
Great Britain - constitutional monarchy
The form state structure Great Britain is a constitutional monarchy. Monarchy is the oldest of all forms of government in existence today. Moreover, in Great Britain, the continuity of royal power was violated only once in ten centuries of the state's existence. The current Queen of Great Britain, Elizabeth II, comes from the family of the Saxon king Egbert, who united England in 892 and Malcolm II, who ruled in Scotland from 1005 to 1034.
The monarch in Great Britain is the main person of the state. Legally, the monarch leads the executive branch, is the supreme commander of the British army. But in fact, as a result of the changes that took place over the centuries, the monarchs lost absolute power. The Queen rules the state with the consent of the Cabinet of Ministers, i.e. "Reigns, does not rule."
The legislative body is a bicameral parliament, consisting of the Upper House - the House of Lords and the Lower House - the House of Commons. The meetings are held in the Houses of Parliament, which is one of the landmarks of London. 650 members of the House of Commons are elected by British citizens every five years, while membership in the House of Lords is hereditary in the families of hereditary nobles.
Thus, the queen represents the state in the international arena and is a symbol of power. Executive power belongs to the cabinet of ministers, formed by a parliamentary majority.
Among the diversity of political parties in Great Britain, the leading role belongs to the two largest parties. These are Conservatives (Tories) and Labor (Whigs).
UK population
The UK has a population of over 58 million. Ethnic composition: British - more than 80%, Scots - 10%, Welsh (indigenous people of Wales) - 2%, Irish - 2.5%.
A significant part of the population is Protestant. The exception is Northern Ireland, the majority of whose inhabitants are Roman Catholics. Northern Ireland is a place of constant conflicts on religious and ethnic grounds.
Since 1921, about 40% of the population has lived in the seven largest metropolitan areas with centers in London (Greater London), Manchester (Southeast Lanxshire), Birmingham and Wolverhampton (West Midlands), Glasgow (Central Clydeside), Leeds and Bradford (West Yorkshire) ), Liverpool (Merseyside) and Newcastle-upon-Tyne (Tyneside). The urbanization rate in the UK is 91%. The share of the rural population is very small.
IN last years there is a noticeable influx of people from developing countries, mainly from countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Industry
Great Britain is one of the four countries that determine the economic strength of Europe. The UK industry includes many industries, some of which are of global importance. Midland is the UK's main industrial region.
Metallurgy
Metallurgy in the UK is one of the most developed industries. It employs over 582 thousand people. Moreover, the first place in terms of employment belongs to ferrous metallurgy (332 thousand people). The rest falls on non-ferrous metallurgy. The main centers for the production of steel and iron are Cardiff and Swansea (Wales), Leeds (England). Annual steel production - over 15 million tons. Aluminum smelters are located mainly in Scotland and Wales.
The consumers of ferrous metallurgy products are mainly machine-building plants.
Mechanical engineering
Mechanical engineering is one of the UK's leading industries. It includes many directions, each of which is characterized by its own location. So high-tech engineering (aviation industry, electronics) are located mainly around London. Machine tool building is concentrated in the Birmingham area. Shipbuilding is a specialty of the Glasgow area, and textile engineering is developed mainly in the Manchester area.
Fuel and energy complex.
The main sources of energy are coal and oil, and to a lesser extent natural gas. The coal mining industry is one of the oldest industries in the UK. At the beginning of the century, British coal dominated the world market, but now in the UK more than 80 million tons of coal are mined annually. The main mining areas are Cardiff, South Wales and Central England (Sheffield). Oil is produced offshore the North Sea off the east coast of England and Scotland. Annual production is over 94 million tons. The main oil refineries are located in Southampton, Cheshire, Yorkshire. Oil export revenue reaches £ 150 million. Gas production is 55 billion cubic meters. m per year and grows annually. The power industry is based on thermal and hydroelectric power plants. Numerous hydroelectric power plants are located in the highlands of Scotland and Wales, and thermal power plants are located in coal mining areas. The share of nuclear power plants is small, although in recent years there has been an increase in their construction.
Chemical industry
The chemical industry is concentrated mainly in Birmingham and Middlesbrough. This is mainly the production of plastics, detergents and disinfectants, dyes, fertilizers. The UK is one of the largest exporters of dyes in the world. The pharmaceutical industry has reached a high level of development. Demand for medications made in Great Britain
Light industry
Light industry is one of the oldest types of manufacturing in the UK. About 690 thousand people are employed in this area, and more than half of them are women. The main regions for the development of light industry are Lancashire, Yorkshire, Liverpool, and Manchester. The production of woolen fabrics is concentrated on the Isle of Lewis, mainly the world famous "tartan". The UK is one of the world leaders in the production of woolen fabrics. Knitwear production is developed mainly in Scotland and the Midlands. The production of linen fabrics is concentrated mainly in Northern Ireland. Great Britain has long been specialized in leather dressing and is a world exporter of leather goods. Factories engaged in leather production are located everywhere, but a significant part of them are concentrated in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Midlands, and the outskirts of London. The UK has the third largest shoe production in the world. More than 200 million pairs of shoes are sold annually. The UK garment industry is the largest in Europe. The UK is a major exporter of clothing. The main centers of the garment industry are London, Leeds and Manchester.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a developed country located in the northwestern part of Europe. The form of government in the country is a constitutional monarchy, in which the constitution is replaced by a number of legislative acts. Queen Elizabeth II has been the head of state and her living symbol since 1953. She, together with a bicameral parliament, heads the legislative branch. The executive power in the country is exercised by the Prime Minister, represented by the leader of the ruling party.
The state is separated from the rest of Europe by the English Channel and Pas-de-Calais, as well as by the North Sea. This disposition was reflected in the formation of the state and its people, the formation process of which took many centuries. The state includes three countries: England, Scotland, Wales and the northern part of Ireland. The total area of the territory is about 250 thousand square meters. km. For four centuries, the state owned numerous colonies.
In the 19th century, the country took a leading position in the production and export of goods. So far, its importance has not weakened due to the rapid growth of a number of other countries: the USA, USSR, Germany and Japan. The UK has been part of the European Community since January 1, 1973, but in 2016 more than half of Britons voted to leave the EU, becoming the first country to leave the Community.
Population
According to the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the population of the state is over 65 million. Most of them are British, the rest of the population is represented by Scots, Welsh, Cornish, Irish and immigrants from EU countries.
Most of the population speaks English language, but there are also local dialects. In the country, religion is represented in several directions. So, the British are Anglican, the Scots are Presbyterian, and the Irish are Catholic. Most densely populated central part countries where the largest and most developed cities are located. The areas with the least populations are in North Scotland and Central Wales. The average population density of the state is 266.5 people per km 2.
The population is predominantly made up of residents between the ages of 15 and 65. It is noteworthy that the number of men and women is equal - about 21 million people. Thus, the population pyramid has a rejuvenating appearance, with a characteristic decrease in the birth rate. The average life expectancy in the UK is 80 years.
UK industry
The industry of England for centuries has been formed, including at the expense of the resources of the metropolises. With the discovery of oil and gas fields in the North Sea in 1960-70, the economy received a new impetus for development. These minerals are exported and processed. Most of the refineries are located in the southeast of the country. Huge refineries and raw material distribution terminals have been built here. Many businesses operate chemical industry... The production of synthetic fibers and plastics, pharmaceuticals is based on high-tech production in oil refining.
Oil and gas produced in large volumes is exported to other countries and provides its own industry with raw materials and fuel. However, some of the raw materials are imported from other countries. This is due to the fact that most of the country's refineries are set up to process heavy oil, and the fields owned by England provide light oil. Of the total volume of oil produced, 106 million tons, or 1/3 of the product, is exported, about 50 million tons are imported into the country. Gas imports and exports are carried out in approximately the same proportions.
(Asphalt concrete plant in England)
And now the industry continues to be the leading branch of the state. In it, according to the last estimates, one sixth of the total population is employed. Industry provides a quarter of the country's GNP, which puts the UK in 7th place in the world in terms of production. An important place in the structure of industry is occupied by processing and mechanical engineering, thereby replacing the country's traditional industries of mining and textile production. Industrial enterprises are located mainly in the densely populated center of the state: from London to Lancashire and from West Yorkshire to Gloucestershire.
The structure of the mechanical engineering industry is dominated by the production of transport. Moreover, the country is the leader in the world export of trucks. Also significant positions in mechanical engineering are the production of power plants, aircraft, space equipment and office equipment. The largest mechanical engineering districts are located in the West Midlands and the southeast of England.
(Famous thermal power plant in London)
For centuries, coal mining has provided the country with fuel, second only to the oil industry. Among the countries of the world, the UK is ranked 20th in oil production and 16th in gas production due to the fields on the bottom of the North Sea. However, despite this, the country is forced to additionally import resources to provide industry and its population.
England is one of the ten countries that produce the largest volumes of iron and steel. For the development of ferrous metallurgy, the country has three necessary conditions: rich deposits of coal, iron ore and limestone. Today, one British Steel corporation provides ferrous metal products to almost all of the country's product needs. Rare non-ferrous metals are mined on the island's territory: zirconium, uranium and others used in aircraft and rocketry, nuclear power. Most of the raw materials are exported to Europe and the United States.
Agriculture UK
The natural conditions of the island determine the specifics of the development of agriculture in the regions. IN agriculture Great Britain employs only 2% of the country's working-age population. But, despite this, there is a rapid growth and development of agriculture. In addition, local resources, which make up 75%, are enough to provide the population with agricultural products. The state does not need to import barley, oats, potatoes, eggs, milk, pork and poultry.
The main agricultural areas are located in East Anglia. Here, in the east of the country, where the climate is humid and there are many meadows, animal husbandry is also developed. England is the homeland of the world's famous cattle breeds; the country is home to beef and dairy cattle, pigs, poultry and sheep. England, high-quality dairy and meat products are produced. However, the import of many products, such as butter, shows up to 70% of consumption.
Historically, the island has developed well sheep breeding, mainly for wool production. Today, the industry provides only 1% of the value of the total volume of agricultural products produced in the country. Potatoes, barley and wheat, root crops, including fodder crops, occupy large areas in the east of the country. However, part of the products, up to 25% of the necessary needs, England imports from abroad. Gardening and horticulture are well developed. With only 1.5% of cultivated land employed, about 12% of the island's production is produced in orchards and vegetable gardens.
Agriculture in England is predominantly farm. After the adoption of a unified EU quota system, farmers had to reduce their production. Its prime cost has always been high enough and without state subsidies, agriculture would have fallen into decay. Therefore, farmers receive tangible government support. After leaving the EU, farmers have a chance to revive the previous volumes of agricultural production.
Great Britain is a highly developed industrial country, which in the international division of labor acts as a supplier of industrial products, banking, shipfreight and other commercial activities. Industry provides 1/3 of the gross national product, it accounts for more than 1/3 of all employed, 90% of exports. It mainly uses imported raw materials and increasingly focuses on the external market. The peculiarity of the industry is its high level of development, concentration and monopolization. The share of industry in the structure of GDP (1991) is 21%. In terms of industrial production, the country ranks 7th in the world.
In 1959, deposits were discovered, which provide 1/6 of the energy consumed in the country.
In recent years, the UK has resumed mining of tin ores.
The country's electricity needs are met by 80% due to internal sources... The country has 8 large thermal power plants operating on their own and imported energy resources, and 14 nuclear power plants. Hydroelectric power plants play an auxiliary role in England, but in Scotland they play the main role. Wind farms are built on the sea coasts. Currently, there are 18 of them in operation. Electricity production in 1991 amounted to 301.2 billion kW.
It consumes the most energy. Almost all of the country's steel is smelted by the state-owned British Steel Corporation. Coal and iron ore basins, near which metallurgical centers develop, are located close to each other. The main old centers of metallurgy are Glasgow, Sheffield, Birmingham, Manchester.
Since most of the metallurgical enterprises now operate on imported ore from, the metallurgical centers have shifted towards the coasts - Cardiff, Middlesbrough, Barrow, etc.
The British non-ferrous metallurgy works almost entirely on imported raw materials, so the smelting of non-ferrous metals tends to the port cities. Great Britain is a supplier of non-ferrous metals to the foreign market. The main buyers of non-ferrous metals are I. The main areas of non-ferrous metallurgy are the West Midlands, South Wales, London and. Two huge firms concentrate 2/3 of aluminum production, they are Alcan IVDastriz and British Aluminum Mini.
1/4 of all people employed in the manufacturing industry work in it. Automotive regions - West Midlands (Birmingham), South-East England (London, Oxford, Luton), etc. Aircraft construction is dominated by one state-owned largest company - British Airs-Pace. The helicopters are manufactured by Westland Aircraft. Almost all aircraft engine production in the country is concentrated in the hands of the nationalized Rolls-Royce company, which has factories in Derby, Bristol, Coventry, and also in Scotland. In terms of aircraft production, Great Britain is second only to the USA in the foreign world.
The UK has been the world's largest supplier of ships in the past. Centers - the mouth of the river. Clyde in Scotland, Birkenhead, Belfast, Sunderland, etc.
Heavy electronics products are manufactured by one of the largest monopoly - General Electric (Greater London).
About 1/3 of the main chemical products are sulfuric acid and metal oxides. More than 4/5 of the products are produced by organic chemistry. 90% of all production of basic chemicals is controlled by the transnational concern "IKI". Centers: Foley, Greater London, Milford Haven.
The oldest traditional industry in the UK is the textile industry. However, with the growth of the textile industry in competing countries, the markets for British textiles have narrowed. Woolen fabrics are produced in West Yorkshire, rayon fabrics in the Yorkshire city of Silsden, and cotton fabrics in Lancashire. The woolen products of British textile workers are highly regarded in foreign markets.
1. Compare on the EGP map of Germany and Great Britain. What are the benefits of the UK EGP?
Germany and the UK have a favorable EGP, although there are some differences between them. Germany is located at the crossroads of transport routes, the most important of which have a latitudinal direction. They are the shortest routes from countries Western Europe to Central. Direct access to North Sea, on the coast of which there are several ports of world importance (Hamburg).
Great Britain is an island state. It is located at the intersection of international sea routes. The country's EGP improved after the completion of the tunnel, which was laid at the narrowest point of the English Channel and connects about. Great Britain with the mainland.
2. What factors contributed to the development of the country's economy? For the answer, draw on knowledge of geography, history.
Great Britain is an island state. A nodal location on the most important shipping and world trade lines through the English Channel and Pas-de-Calais, it provides extensive links with regions of the world.
Mild winters and cool summers, a significant amount of precipitation make it possible to grow all crops of the temperate zone, although the soils are not highly fertile.
Mineral resources of Great Britain are diverse (coal, metal ores, etc.), but their long-term exploitation has led to the depletion or depletion of many of them. The discovered oil and gas fields in the North Sea became a “gift” for the country, thanks to which Great Britain (along with Norway) became the largest producer and exporter of oil and gas among European countries.
Before late XIX in. this country was the most powerful empire in the world, the birthplace of capitalism and the earliest industrial revolution.
3. Select the correct statements:
1) In the UK, 9/10 of the cargo turnover comes from the sea.
2) The structure of agriculture in Great Britain is dominated by crop production.
3) The country is characterized by low natural population growth.
4) 90% of UK residents live in cities.
4. What is the reason for the aging of the country's population?
The aging of the country's population is due to the low birth rate.
5. Describe one of the UK industries (optional) according to the plan given on p. 119-120.
The largest branch of the British industry - mechanical engineering employs 25% of all employed in the manufacturing industry. Transport engineering prevails. Now the UK is 8th in the world in car production (1296 thousand cars and 273 thousand trucks). On average, 40% of automotive products are exported. The UK is the world's largest exporter of trucks. Some brands of British cars (Land Rover, Rolls-Royce) have become the standard of the automotive industry. Almost all serial cars and trucks are produced by several major British Leyland automobile companies, factories of the international American company Chrysler U.K. and the American subsidiaries Vauxhall and Ford. The first major automotive region in the British Isles was the West Midlands, centered in Birmingham. The second region was the southeast of England (with centers in Oxford, Luton and Dagenel). In connection with the implementation of government measures to decentralize industry, three new car factories were built in Merseyside and two in Scotland (near Glasgow and Edinburgh). One of the fastest growing branches of mechanical engineering is aircraft construction. The dominant firm here is British Airspace. The helicopters are manufactured by another large company, Wesland Aircraft. Almost all aircraft engine production in the country is concentrated in the hands of Rolls-Royce, which has factories in Derby, Bristol, Coventry and cities in Scotland. In terms of aircraft production, Great Britain is second only to the United States in the world. It produces about 20 types of aircraft: military, passenger, cargo and small aircraft for special purposes. A supersonic passenger liner "Concorde" was created together with the French. Great Britain is also known for its shipbuilding. Shipbuilding is varied and of high quality, but the British build ships slowly and are very expensive. Tankers, passenger liners, barges, dredgers, trawlers, submarines, icebreakers, seabed drilling rigs and yachts are leaving the stocks of British shipyards. The largest shipbuilding center in the British Isles is the mouth of the Clyde River in Scotland. Two other major centers are located on the Weir and Tyne rivers. The largest shipyard in Europe is built on Queens Island in Northern Ireland. However, this sector of the British economy is currently in crisis.
6. What is the structure of agriculture? What is it caused by?
The country's agriculture is highly commodity, specialized, and capitalist. The share of agriculture, forestry and fisheries in the structure of GDP (1991) is 1.8%. Agriculture employs 2% of the population. 19 million hectares are used for agricultural production. Almost all of the land is cultivated by farmers. The area of land occupied by one farm is approximately 100 hectares. However, there are also huge agricultural associations, the land area of which reaches 1600 hectares. The main branch of animal husbandry is the breeding of highly productive beef and dairy cattle. Livestock products account for 70% of the value of agricultural products. Livestock areas are the highlands of Wales, Northern England and Scotland. Most of the arable land is located in the eastern part of the island of Great Britain, where there is relatively little rainfall, low-lying and fertile soils. Oats, barley and wheat are sown from grain crops. The area under corn has increased. The traditional crop - potatoes - is widespread. For livestock feed, fodder beets and cabbage are also grown. Vegetable gardens, orchards and greenhouses occupy 1.5% of agricultural land and provide 12% of the value of agricultural products. An important branch of plant growing is the cultivation of flowers - pale yellow daffodils, "Dutch" tulips, hyacinths, etc. Fishing plays an important role in the country's economy. The main fishing ports are located on the east coast, not far from which in the North Sea is the Dogger Bank Bank, where about 2 million tons of fish are caught per year. The fishing fleet consists of 11 thousand vessels.
