Industry
Although more than twenty-five percent of its land is used for agriculture, Scotland is also a very industrial nation. Nearly forty percent of the work force is employed in manufacturing alone.
In 2005, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Scotland was measured by the Office for National Statistics at about 86 billion British Pounds (GBP) ($170 billion(USD)).
The nation's largest city and leading industrial center, Glasgow, is located near coal fields and is a major sea-port. Both are key elements to Glasgow's steel production and shipbuilding industries.
Technology related industry is also important in Scotland. In the 1980s, many technology-based firms began relocating to Scotland. This industry now employs over 41,000 people.
Most of Scotland's exports are manufactured goods. Among a wide variety of products manufactured in Scotland are aircraft engines, woolen textiles, electronic items, processed foods, and Scotch whiskey.
The primary mineral value of Scotland lies in the large coal deposits of the central lowlands, but limestone, clay and silica are also mined. The North Sea is a valuable source of petroleum and natural gas. Pipelines carry these resources to major refineries at Dundee and Grangemouth. Several global oil production companies (notably Shell and BP) have their European headquarters in Aberdeen.
Agriculture
Although there are about one and a half million acres of forested land in Scotland (representing about 15% of the country's total land area), sixty percent of which is publicly owned, fishing is much more important than forestry.
Abundant fishing from ports at Aberdeen, Fraserburgh, and elsewhere along the coasts of Scotland have made fish and chips a popular part of the British diet. Haddock, cod, and herring are particularly abundant, as well as crabs and lobster. The fresh waters of Scotland yield salmon and trout.
Livestock production is of vital importance. Sheep are common, especially in the northwest highlands, producing high quality wool, but Scotland is also known for beef and dairy products. Shaggy highland cattle are well-known for their hardiness and fine meat. The areas around Ayrshire, Galloway, and Dumfries are important for their dairy products.
About one fourth of Scotland's land area is cultivated. Some of the principle crops are barley, wheat and potatoes. These are grown mainly in the eastern areas of the country. The mild climate of Tayside and Angus is well-suited to fruits such as strawberries and raspberries.