Together with Ustica and Pantelleria, archipelagos of the Aeolian, Aegadian and Pelagian, Sicily takes up 25 832 square kilometres and serves as home to over 5 million people. Sicily is the biggest region in Italy and boasts an autonomous status. The regional capital city is Palermo. The economic overview of the region presents a controversial result. Despite the incredible economic potential, the region lags behind the national and the European average performance. The local economy has always been dependant on agriculture. Some families in Sicily have been the landowners and farmers for a thousand years. The deeply rooted tradition and extensive farming methods result in the inefficient use of land. Agriculture produces only 10% of the potential yield and is only used on 25% of the land. Fishing is also an important part of agriculture. Local ports deliver a major share of catch to Sicilian tables. The industrial sector in Sicily could benefit from innovative manufacturing methods. Shipbuilding, engineering and petrochemical industries are situated in proximity to larger cities like Palermo, Syracuse, Catania and Milazzo. Last but not least, the service sector employs around 69% of local residents with a large share of it in hospitality. Annually the island attracts thousands of tourists coming to explore the local culture and tan under the hot Sicilian sun.