Primary sector

In economics, the primary sector is the economic sector that deals with getting raw materials from nature. This includes important activities like farming, logging, fishing, forestry, and mining. These jobs help provide food, wood, fish, and minerals that we use every day.

The primary sector is usually a bigger part of the economy in developing countries than in developed countries. For example, in 2018, activities like agriculture, forestry, and fishing made up more than 15% of the economy in sub-Saharan Africa, but only less than 1% in North America.

In developed countries, the primary sector uses more advanced technology. For instance, in the United States Corn Belt, special machines like combine harvesters are used to harvest crops. These machines help grow more food than older methods, allowing fewer people to work in these jobs. Because of this, developed countries often have more people working in other types of jobs, like making things or providing services, instead of just getting raw materials.

List of countries by agricultural output

Main article: List of countries by GDP sector composition

See also: List of most valuable crops and livestock products

Largest countries by agricultural output (in PPP terms) according to the IMF and CIA World Factbook, at peak level as of 2018

Economy	Countries by agricultural output (in PPP terms) at peak level as of 2018 (billions in USD)
(01)  China	2,101
(02)  India	1,400
(03)  Indonesia	486
(—)  European Union	352
(04)  Pakistan	284
(05)  Nigeria	253
(06)  Brazil	209
(07)  Russia	196
(08)  United States	185
(09)  Iran	162
(10)  Turkey	155
(11)  Egypt	154
(12)  Thailand	109
(13)  Vietnam	108
(14)  Bangladesh	108
(15)  Argentina	101
(16)  Mexico	100
(17)  Philippines	92
(18)  Myanmar	89
(19)  Algeria	87
(20)  Malaysia	84
The twenty largest countries by agricultural output (in PPP terms) at peak level as of 2018, according to the IMF and CIA World Factbook.