Generally considered to be the oldest natural textile fiber.
Largest exporters are Northern Ireland and Belgium.
Eli Whitney's invention of the cotton gin in 1793 revolutionized the processing of cotton. The development of the power loom in 1884 brought significant improvements and variations to cotton fabrics. Lessor producers include Pakistan, Brazil, Turkey, Egypt, Mexico Iran and Sudan. Used by people of the Late Stone Age, There are 40 different breeds of sheep, which produce approximately 200 types of wool of varying grades. Believed discovered by a Chinese princess.