Distribution of Major Industries

Much like the raw materials that form their material basis, Industries are usually found in varying concentrations in different places. Though the concentrations are somewhat inconsistent, several factors surrounding the geographical area in which these Industries are found help determine how rich the industrial base of a site is. These factors include the availability and distribution of raw materials, transportation and financial resources, availability of labour, enterprise clusters, etc.

Through various technological developments and human interactions, some relevant sectors have emerged as major industries in the global economy that serve as the foundation for human activity. These are the Iron and Steel Industry the Textile Industry, which have been long-established Industrial activities, and the Information and Technology industry. This emerging industry is the product of modernisation and globalization. In this article, we will look at the distribution of major industries.

Iron and Steel Industry

• The Iron and Steel industry is often considered the backbone of modern industry, as the products that emerge from these processes serve as raw materials for other industries. In this industry, iron ore, coal, limestone, etc., are put through smelting and refining to produce Steel.
• Steel is the primary raw material found ubiquitously as the base for most other industries. As such, the iron and steel industry development has often led to different sectors in the same area.
• The countries worldwide where one can find thriving iron and steel industries include the USA, China, Japan, Germany, Japan, and Russia. In India, the availability of cheap labour and resources has led to the development of the local industry mainly across four states- West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh in centres such as Bhilai, Durgapur, Jamshedpur, Rourkela.

Textile Industry

• The Textile industry is one of the oldest globally, with the hand-spun cotton textiles fuelling the industrial base for many pre-modern industries.
• For Textiles, fibres from the raw materials also divide the industries into sub-industries such as cotton, jute, polyester, nylon, etc. The textile cloths are the end products. Cotton is the most relevant raw material and is most important.
• The world's major cotton and textile producing countries are the USA, China, Japan, and India. In India, the warm and moist climate and availability of resources and skilled labour made Maharashtra and Gujarat some of the biggest cotton-producing centres in the world.

Information Technology Industry

• Information and Communications technology is an industry with immense global significance, as it deals with the storage, processing, and distribution of information without material or geographical limitations. A robust IT industry depends on raw materials, efficient costs, robust infrastructure, and a skilled workforce.
• The Major IT Hubs of the world are Silicon Valley, California and Bengaluru, India, and other significant cities emerging with important IT industries.
• The distribution of the significant industries often determines how strong the industrial base of an area will be. As Industrialization invariably leads to development, it is essential to understand how and why the three major industries are distributed worldwide.

The distribution of Major industries helps us understand the process of Industrialization and the role it plays in today’s global economy. The three major industries of Iron and Steel, Textiles and Information Technology play a crucial role in the making of everything we use in our daily lives, either directly or indirectly. Therefore, by observing how these three major sectors work, i.e. the materials they deal with and the places they are most prominent in, we can understand the concept of Industry and the role Industries play better.

FAQs on Distribution of Major Industries

Q.1. What are the 3 Major Industries?

Ans. The 3 Major Industries are Iron and Steel, Cotton and Textiles, and Information Technology industries.

Q.2. What product is often called the backbone of the industry?

Ans. Steel is a critical raw material used in several industries, for example, construction. That’s why it’s called the backbone of the industry.

Q.3. What important textile centre is also called the 'Manchester of Japan'?

Ans. Osaka. A myriad of environmental factors like the climate, geographic features have developed the textile industry in Osaka.

Q.4. What is a critical Steel industry centre in America?

Ans. Pittsburgh the majority of the raw material comes from this city.