Topics%20for%20credit / the Economy of GB
.docThe Economy of GB
GB was the first country in the world that became highly industrialized. The important fact that coal deposits were situated near the ground helped the fast industrialization in the 19th century. Even now coal mining is one of the most developed industries in GB. The biggest coal and iron mines are in the north of England, near Newcastle, in Scotland near Glasgow and in Wales near Cardiff. Heavy industry is concentrated in the London region.
GB is a highly developed industrial country, although poor in raw materials (сырье). The country must also import 40 % of its food. The largest industries are: machine tools (станки), aircraft and navigation equipment, electronics, petroleum (нефть), and metals, chemicals (продукция химической промышленности, textiles (ткани, текстиль) and clothing.
Ship-building industry is of great importance for GB; it is concentrated in London, Liverpool and Glasgow.
By the end of the 90s, 70 % of workforce (рабочей силы) is employed in the banking (банковское дело), insurance (страхование), and tourist business.
GB produces a lot of wool; woolen industry is developed in Yorkshire.
Sea-ports play a great role in the life of the country; the biggest ports are London, Liverpool and Glasgow.
Sheep-farming, cattle-farming and dairy farming are also important branches of GB’s economy.
The South of England is often called the “Garden of England”, because there are so many gardens, where people grow apples, pears, cherries, plums and other fruits; there are large plantations of different berries.
Comprehension questions:
1. What was one of the important factors for fast industrialization of GB?
2. What industry is mostly developed in GB?
3. Where is GB’s heavy industry concentrated?
4. What industries are well-developed in GB?
5. What do you know of woolen industry?
6. What are the biggest sea-ports in the country?
7. What is the “Garden of England”?