Financial and other business services have grown in significance. The City of London has the greatest concentration of banks in the world and one of the largest stock exchanges. Manufacturing still plays a significant role and many high-technology industries have been developed. Offshore oil and gas have had a major impact on the economy. Britain is the fifth largest trading nation in the world and, as a member of the European Community, is part of the world's largest trading bloc.
Communications benefit from a network of motorways and fast inter-city rail services.
Links to the continent of Europe will be strengthened by the opening of the Channel Tunnel in late 1993. London's Heathrow Airport is the busiest inter national airport in the world. A very broad range of cultural activities exist in Britain. Many Britons engaged in the arts and media enjoy international reputations. BBC World Service broadcasts by radio worldwide in English and 37 other languages.