Most Libyan workers are employed by service industries and agriculture. Except for agriculture, the government controls most economic activities in Libya. Petroleum accounts for about 25 percent of the value of Libya's total economic production, and for almost all the country's export earnings. The national government controls petroleum mining. Libya also has small amounts of gypsum, iron ore, lime, natural gas, and sulfur.
Service industries are economic activities that produce services rather than goods.
Such industries make up more than 40 percent of the value of the total economic production in Libya. Government services make up the most important service industry. Other service industries include finance, and wholesale and retail trade. The rapid development of the Libyan petroleum industry created the need for many factories, buildings, and other structures. Today, construction accounts for about 12 percent of the value of the country's total economic production.