England Economy, English Economy, Economy of England, England Economic Profile

The economy of England is one of the world's most important economies, and is the largest in the United Kingdom. England is highly-industrialized and developed, with manufacturing, finance, IT, and pharmaceuticals playing majore roles.

England was the world's first industrialized nation. As England acquired colonies around the world, it became wealthy from the goods and products brought in from Canada, America, and Australia.

The tobacco, cotton, and other imports needed to be processed in England, giving rise to many industrial cities. This continued as the country expanded into India and SE Asia.

During the industrial revolution, mining, steel, and shipbuilding were significant drivers of the economy of England, and continued through both World Wars and up into the 70s and 80s. Increasingly, finance and other service industries began to replace the heavy industries.

One of the largest and newest sectors of the English economy is finance, most of which is based in London. Insurance, reinsurance, investing, banking, business services, and the London Stock Exchange make up the finance industry in England.

The agriculture industry in England comprises about 2% of GDP, and supplies approximately 60% of the country's food requirements. It is highly-efficient and mechanized. Most (about 65%) of the agriculture industry relies on livestock such as sheep and cattle.

The principal crops raised are barley, wheat, oats, potatoes, sugar beets, apples, and other fruits and vegetables. England's agriculture industry relies heavily on EU subsidies. Fishing also comprises a considerable percentage of the English economy.

Tourism employees 6.1% of the working population of England, with London being the major attraction and hub for visitors.