Global Centers of Manufacturing and Economic Power
Major Industrial Regions of the World
America
Canada and the United States
The main industrial area is situated between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic coast.
Its main industries are:
- Iron and steel industry
- Metallurgy of aluminum and copper
- Heavy chemicals
Latin America
Its industrial development is based on mineral wealth and abundant human resources.
Its main industries are:
- Tools and machinery
- Textiles
- Food processing
Europe
European Union
The main industrial regions are located in the vicinity of iron ore and coal deposits, along with major ports for raw materials and energy sources, and near urban centers.
Its main industries are:
- Railway equipment
- Aerospace
- Pharmaceuticals
Russian Federation
The availability of energy sources (coal, oil, natural gas) and minerals (iron ore) has allowed the development of industry in this area.
Major industries include:
- Heavy chemicals
- Aviation
- Textiles
- Wood processing
Oceania
Australia
The industry is concentrated in ports and near large cities.
Its main industries are:
- Aluminum and copper metallurgy
- Chemicals
- Food processing
New Zealand
Its industrial development is less than Australia's.
Its main industries are:
- Aluminum metallurgy
- Electronics
- Textiles
Asia
Japan
It is one of the world's foremost industrial powers, despite the lack of raw materials and energy sources.
Its main industries are:
- Steel production
- Heavy chemicals
- Shipbuilding
China
Its recent industrial development is based on the abundance of workers and its wealth of natural resources (coal, iron, oil, etc.).
Its main industries include:
- Transport equipment
- Textiles
New Industrialized Countries (NICs)
Named after a number of countries (South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia, etc.) that have experienced dramatic industrial growth in recent years.
Its main industries are:
- Copper metallurgy
- Wood processing
India
Its industrialization is based on its abundance of agricultural raw materials (cotton) and minerals (iron, bauxite, chromium, manganese, etc.), and energy sources (coal, natural gas, hydroelectric power).
Its main industries are:
- Chemicals
- Transport equipment
Africa
South Africa
It is the most industrialized region of the continent and is rich in mineral resources (gold, diamonds, coal, etc.).
Its main industries are:
- Heavy chemicals
- Automotive manufacturing
Central Africa
Industry, which is minimally developed, is related to the primary processing of mineral resources (diamonds, gold, coal, etc.) and the development of basic consumer goods.
Its main industries are:
- Aluminum and copper metallurgy
- Timber
North Africa
This is a newly industrializing area.
Its main industries are:
- Heavy chemicals
- Food processing