It is principally a residential city and government seat, but a number of small industries produce carpets, leather goods, wine, farm implements, and cement. Ankara is an important market and processing center for mohair and for the fine fruits and wheat grown in the surrounding region. The city lies on the main east-west rail line across the Anatolia region of Turkey, and is a major crossroads for trade.
Tourism is also increasingly important to the local economy.
Ankara is home to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which contains a notable collection of Hittite artifacts. Despite its long history, Ankara is a thoroughly modern, well-planned city. The city is distinguished by its wide avenues, green parks, elegant shops, embassies and government buildings, and a large number of first class restaurants.