The region has 3.1 million inhabitants on 15,416 sq.kms. Traditional industries dominate the history of the North of England, and the industrial sector still accounts for 31.2% of employment. Agriculture plays only a minor role (2%) and services employ 66.8% of the workforce. Unemployment was at 9.6% in 1996.

 North East England covers the rugged splendour of North Yorkshire and the Fairfax House  Yorkshire Dales, coupled with the north-eastern ship-building towns of Newcastle and Middlesborough, and the more southerly industrial towns of Leeds and Sheffield.

The Roman border between Scotland and England was marked by Hadrian’s Wall and Jorvik Viking Centre much of the remains of Hadrians Wall can be found in this region, with evidence of Roman forts and settlements scattered along its length. Roman history abounds at Housesteads, Arbeia and Corbridge.