In 1948 the USSR cut off communications between West Germany and the East. Germany was not reunited until 1990 after the resignation of the East German leader, Erich Honecker . Its early industrialisation was based on its coal and iron resources. As a member of the European Coal and Steel Community and a founder member of the European Community Germany has a strong position in Europe. The service sector, e.g, banking, information technology and tourism, is Germany's largest employer.
Fishing is an important industry.
The main fishing ports are in Bremen, Bremerhaven and Cuxhaven. Catches include herring, mackerel and cod. Rainbow trout is caught in the rivers. Agricultural produce includes wheat, barley, potatoes, fruit, cabbages and milk. THE ARTS Germany has an impressive list of famous musicians including Bach , Handel, Beethoven , Richard Wagner , and Carl Orff.