Cyprus has an open, free-market, services-based economy with some light manufacturing. The private sector is the backbone of economic activity, with the Governments role being limited to monitoring the economy and the provision of public utilities. Tourism is the leading economic activity followed by financial services and real estate. Fishing is an important industry in the Turkish sector, and the Greek side has a strong manufacturing economy that produces building materials, textiles, chemicals, and metal, wood, paper, stone, and clay products. There is also food and beverage and petroleum refining. Mineral resources include copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, and salt, processing, ship repair. The Cypriots are among the most prosperous people in the Mediterranean region. Internationally, Cyprus promotes its geographical location as a "bridge" between three continents.