The trade and industry scenario present in Ottawa is highly conducive to job opportunities. In 2007 the unemployment rate in Ottawa was only 4.9%. The major job recruitments take place in retail, manufacturing, government jobs and healthcare.
Ottawa has predominantly an agrarian economy. Out of the total area of 2600 sq. kilometers area, 90% of land is engaged in agriculture. There are vast acres of farms in the rural areas of Ottawa. Agricultural products form the basis of Ottawa's exports. Another important commodity that is exported from Ottawa is lumber. Lumber industry features prominently in the industrial sector of Ottawa. The lumber export has an annual growth rate of 1.5%.
