II.

Economy

Paris is the leading industrial centre of France, with about one-quarter of the nation's manufacturing concentrated in the metropolitan area. Industries engaged in the manufacture of consumer goods have always been drawn to Paris by the enormous market of the metropolitan population; and modern, high-technology industries have also become numerous since World War II. Principal manufactured goods include machinery, motor vehicles, chemicals, and electrical equipment. The cultural and artistic pre-eminence of Paris has attracted a large publishing industry and the manufacture of a wide range of luxury goods, such as high-fashion clothing and jewellery, for which the city is particularly noted.

Most of the key service activities of the country, especially banking and finance, are concentrated in Paris. The city has made major efforts in recent years to attract the headquarters of multinational corporations and is now one of Europe's most important centres of international business and commerce.

An additional advantage enjoyed by Paris is its location at the heart of one of Europe's richest agricultural regions, with nearby districts, such as the Beauce and Brie, famous for the production of wheat and other crops. This strong agricultural economy has ensured Paris a reliable food supply throughout its history, boosting its world-class cuisine, and has also created a solid economic base for the region.

Because the Seine is navigable by barges to points upstream of Paris, the city is an important port (fourth in France, by tonnage), with major concentrations of processing, refining, and distribution activities. The city is also the principal focus of the national rail and motorway networks. Three major airports serve the city. Its metro (underground) system is regarded as one of the most efficient in the world.