North Carolina's economy has grown far more diverse over the years. Technology companies in areas such as Research Triangle Park and state-of-the-art health care facilities are a growing part of the state's service sector. Overall, the service and manufacturing sectors remain two of the most vital areas of the state's economy. Taken as a whole, manufacturing makes up nearly a fourth of North Carolina's gross state product - the total value of goods and services produced in the state in a year.  In addition, the amusement and recreation industry accounted for just over $1.6 billion of the gross state product in 2000 and filmmaking contributed nearly $200 million to the state's economy.
Here's a look at some of the top industries in North Carolina in 2000:
1. Finance, Insurance & Real Estate-	$54.9 billion
2. Government-	$34.2 billion
3. Retail Trade-	$24.1 billion
4. Transportation & Utilities-	$18.7 billion
5. Wholesale Trade-	$16.6 billion
6. Construction-	$13.9 billion
7. Health Services-	$13.2 billion
8. Chemicals-	$11.4 billion
9. Tobacco Products-	$10.6 billion
10. Agriculture, Agricultural  Services, Forestry and Fishing	$9.9 billion
(Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce.)