Today Milan is Italy's second largest
city after Rome and its economic heart. It has
the highest per capita income in Italy.
Milan leads Italian cities in the manufacture of chemicals
and textiles. Other important products include aircraft,
motorcars, foodstuffs, clothing, glass, leather and
rubber goods, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and plastics.
The city has a large book and music publishing industry,
many banks, and the principal stock exchange of Italy.
The city has a large construction industry, and it is
one of the most important silk markets in Europe.
An international trade fair is held
here annually in April.