There are no metals, however. Danes have always had to cultivate the soil and sail the sea. That created an extremely efficient agricultural sector, and industries, trades and transport enterprises which had to compensate for the lack of resources by well-trained staff, ingenuity and a strong awareness of quality.

The result is today's agricultural sector, which has become the world's main supplier of bacon and processed meats and produces three times the country's own requirements.

Industry is highly diversified and has shown a special talent for developing niche products which are competitive and in demand on the world market. Danish industry is a reliable contributor to the main growth sectors of international industry, such as bio-technology and information technology.

Denmark's many islands have encouraged the development of extensive fishing activities and a busy processing industry.

The importance of the various productive sectors, measured by their share of exports, was in 1992; industry 76%, agriculture 14%, fisheries 4%, other products, including furs, electricity and natural gas, 6%.

The Danish business community invests heavily in other countries. At the same time, the Danish government has a policy which encourages businessmen in other countries to establish their business in Denmark.