The region is populated by approx 2.5 million people (2001 Census). 
The North East region is comprised of Newcastle, Northumberland, Durham, Tyne, Wear and Tees Valley.
The dominant sectors of the North East economy are manufacturing, business services and the public sector. The region has a much lower number of businesses per 10,000 population than the national average. Business survival rates have improved significantly in the North East in recent years, and the level of entrepreneurialism has grown. The rate of employment is lower than the national average, although the gap has narrowed in recent years. There is a smaller proportion of highly qualified people in the North East than nationally, but there are also fewer skills shortages.
Holy Island oysters, Tweed salmon, Cheviot lamb, Doddington ice cream, Coquetdale cheese... just some highlights of the regions's fresh foods.
There are the seriously polished restaurants - Black Door and Jesmond Dene House, Seaham Hall and The Pump House - and the seriously chic - Secco and Barn, Hide and Oldfields. And in-between there's a host of laid-back caf?-bars, traditional country pubs and family-friendly affairs - not to mention a host of nationalities from Mongolian and Japanese (plus Newcastle's Chinatown) to Italian and Mexican. It's not all trendy lounge bars. There are still traditional pubs serving thirst-quenching, local beers. Wylam Rapper, Prince Bishop and Byker Pale are three local brews to look out for.
The region has two airports; Newcastle Airport and Durham Tees Valley Airport. With stations in both Sunderland and Newcastle city centres, a light railway network connects a number of city centres and towns in the Tyne and Wear as well as at Newcastle Airport.
Discover thought-provoking art, glorious theatre and world class events. Experience innovative and provocative new art at the BALTIC, Centre for Contemporary Art, then take a stroll across the award winning Gateshead Millennium Bridge and enjoy the Quayside caf? culture before taking in the amazing architecture of Newcastle's Grey Street. At mima, Middlesbrough Institute for Modern Art, more thought provoking pieces await, including works by Tracey Emin and LS Lowery.
With a dazzling calendar of cultural events, there's always something going on in North East England. And, with such an illustrious sporting tradition, there's plenty of opportunity to catch a sporting event, from premiership football at Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Sunderland to world class cricket at Durham County Cricket Ground, in its spectacular riverside setting overlooked by Lumley Castle. Alternatively, enjoy a day at the races at one of our four racecourses.
From magical landscapes, beautiful beaches and historic gardens to vibrant urban culture and laid back market towns, North East England has a lot to offer to a world of different people. Throughout the region secret and not-so-secret gardens such as the Alnwick Garden, the medieval Crook Hall and Cragside Estate offer experiences as diverse as the plant life that twines, towers and blossoms within. 
Whether you're looking for exhilarating treks or gentle circular walks, North East England has it all. The wide open spaces and thrilling views Northumberland National Park and the Cleveland Hills contrast the towering forests of Kielder and Rothbury.
If the piping of seabirds and the pounding of the waves is music to your ears, head for the 11-mile footpath along Durham Heritage Coast or stride out along some of the highest cliffs in England on the Cleveland Way National Trail. And if you like your footsteps to lead you back in time, follow Hadrian's Wall and experience the thrill of walking so close to a World Heritage Site.
North East Assembly
www.northeastassembly.gov.uk
North East Regional Development Agency
www.onenortheast.co.uk
Tourism Information
www.visitnortheastengland.com
