Profile of the East Midlands

The East Midlands is the fourth largest region in England (15,607 km2), and comprises the counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland. Major urban conurbations include Derby, Leicester, Nottingham, Lincoln and Northampton, although at 29.5%, the rural population makes the East Midlands the third most rural region in England.

Key characteristics
> 4.3 million inhabitants

> Diverse economy with a strong manufacturing heritage and stable labour market

> Key sectors:

	> Transport equipment
	> Construction
	> Food & drink
	> Healthcare Services

> 2006 GVA circa £74.1 billion (Office of National Statistics 2007)

> Central geographical location - East Midlands Airport (EMA), major roads such as the M1 and A1, provides a major hub for the freight industry.

> 10 Higher Education Institutions with 160,000 students and 30,000 employees contributing 4% of the region's annual GDP.

> Tourism & Major Attractions:

	> Peak District	Europe's most popular National Park
	> Sherwood Forest	Home to the legend of Robin Hood
	> Lincolnshire Wolds	Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
	> Chatsworth House	Film set for BBC's Pride & Prejudice
	> Lincoln Cathedral	Film set for The Da Vinci Code
	> National Space Centre	UK's only visitor attraction dedicated to space, space exploration and education
	> Silverstone	British Grand Prix & Formula 1 Teams

The table below provides an information and key facts overview on the East Midlands region, from culture and enterprise, to knowledge and sustainability:

CULTURE	ENTERPRISE	KNOWLEDGE	SUSTAINABILITY
Sporting excellence: The home of UK motor sport at Silverstone, the backbone of English rugby, more than 100 years of cricket played at Trent Bridge, the birthplace of professional football, using sporting pedigree to prepare for the 2012 Olympics. Beautiful countryside: From the Lincolnshire Wolds to Sherwood Forest - home to the legend of Robin Hood, from Rutland Water to the world-class Peak District National Park and picturesque Northamptonshire villages. Stunning architecture: From historic Lincoln Cathedral and classical Chatsworth House to Nottingham's old market square, the largest of its kind in Europe. Ethnic diversity: Multi-cultural cities and communities, enriched by diverse experiences, languages, cultures and customs. Food: Enjoy a Melton Mowbray pork pie, Stilton cheese, or some of the world's best curries in Leicester.