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Read the text and answer the question: Why is the UK industrialized country?

The UK is the sixth largest economy in the world, with a gross domestic product* (GDP) of US $1.93 trillion. It has the second largest economy in Europe after Germany. It is a member of the G7* (now expanding to the G8 and G20), the European Union and the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development). It is also the founding member of the Commonwealth, the association formed by former British Empire states. The British Economy is one of the most globalized economies in the world, thanks in no small part to the City of London, considered to be the largest financial center in the world along with New York City.

The UK economy is one of the strongest in Europe; inflation, interest rates, and unemployment remain low.

Trade in the uk. Goods manufactured and imported

The UK is one of the leading trading nations in the world.

The country's chief exports are manufactured goods, chemicals, food and beverages, and tobacco. The chemical industry is Britain's largest export earner. British Petroleum (BP) is Britain's biggest industrial company. UK pharmaceutical companies make three of the world's best selling medicines. Britain is also a major supplier of machinery, vehicles, aerospace products, electrical and electronic equipment. Britain is responsible for 10 per cent of the world's export of services, including banking, insurance, stockbroking, consultancy and computer programming.

Britain imports manufactured goods, machinery, fuels, foodstuffs. Food, beverages and tobacco account for half of non-manufactured imports, whilst machinery and road vehicles account for two-thirds of finished imported manufactures. Other major imports include chemicals, clothing and footwear.

Since the early 1970s, Great Britain's trade focus has shifted from the United States to the European Union, which now accounts for over 50% of its trade. The United States, Germany, France, and the Netherlands are the main trading partners, and the Commonwealth countries are also important.

Energy and natural resources

The UK has large coal, natural gas, and oil resources, but its oil and natural gas reserves are declining and the UK became a net importer of energy in 2005. Energy industries now contribute about 4% to GDP. Other mineral resources include iron ore, tin, limestone, salt, oil shale, and lead.

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