Exploring Industry in Barcelona
Barcelona's industry is relatively up-to-date and intact. The city has long-established external markets that have given and continue to give it stability. Almost a quarter of Spanish exports come from Catalonia and three quarters of Catalan industry is concentrated in the Barcelona area, which provides about one-fifth of Spain's industrial output. Barcelona receives approximately one-fourth of all foreign investment in Spain. Historically speaking, the textile industry dominated Barcelona's economy, however, its relative importance has declined as the service sector, which accounts for approximately four-fifths of all jobs, developed. Chemicals, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, electronics, and appliance manufacturing are among Barcelona's leading industries. Barcelona as served as a crossroads of manufacturing - a vital center of trading and shipping - since before Christopher Columbus set sail for the Americas. Its strategic location, on the Mediterranean Sea and nearby the border with France, has made its emergence as the principal industrial and commercial center of Spain inevitable. Barcelona has many features typical of a north-west European city. It has a large tertiary sector, its traditional manufacturing industries have been declining and transnational investment has become increasingly important. Barcelona built its industrial might on its centuries-old status as one of Europe's most important ports, a status it still upholds today, with container traffic hitting record levels in recent years. While Madrid may be the political and financial capital of Spain, Barcelona holds sway as its most culturally and industrially vibrant city. |
Images of industry in Barcelona
Industrial Centers in Spain
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Enjoy a taste of industry in Barcelona.
Works Cited
"Industry in Barcelona." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica. Web. 18 Feb. 2015.
"Barcelona (Industry)." Barcelona: Industry Studies. 18 Feb. 2015. Web. 18 Feb. 2015.