восток_в_тени_ресниц все записи автора The United Kingdom has a developed mixed private- and public-enterprise. The gross national product (GNP) is growing faster than the population. The GNP per capita is among that of most other European countries.
The state sector was reduced due to policies of privatization, of publicly owned corporations. There was also an improvement in the standard of living. Unemployment and inflation rates were reduced but remained high.
Nowadays, government policies include the close monitoring and frequent adjustment of interest rates; the encouragement of wider home ownership and of individuals' share holdings in companies. Considerable emphasis is placed on increased exposure of the economy to market forces. Manufacturing industries account for one-fifth of the GNP. Small companies predominate. Major manufactures include motor vehicles, aerospace equipment, electronic data-processing.
Agriculture accounts for less than 2 percent of the GNP and employs some 2 percent of the work force. Farming is highly mechanized, and is dominated by the raising of sheep and cattle. The United Kingdom is not agriculturally self-sufficient. Chief crops include barley, wheat, sugar beets, and potatoes.
The mineral industry accounts for approximately 6 percent of the GNP. Production from oil fields in the North Sea has allowed the United Kingdom to become self-sufficient in petroleum. The United Kingdom's coal industry, remains one of the largest and most technologically advanced in Europe.
Public revenues are chiefly derived from income taxes, and excises. Deficits are offset by public borrowing. The country is a major world financial and banking centre.
Chief imports of Great Britain are: metallic ores, except iron ore, food. Chief exports are: china, automobiles and other vehicles, wooden goods, steel, electrical and mechanical machinery, tractors, scientific instruments, chemicals, petroleum.
Just under half of the total population is in the work force.