Midi-Pyrenees profits from an indisputable attractivity. This one can be measured by two observations: that of migratory flows (29,300 new inhabitants each year since 1999) and that of the foreign direct investments (Midi-Pyrenees: 4th French area). Other indicators testify to the regional dynamism and place Midi-Pyrenees at the head of the French areas, as for example the number of creation of companies (14,398 in 2005), the balance of the foreign trade (+ 9,1 billion euros in 2005) or the quality of life.

This growth is drawn by the great industrial groups (Airbus, EADS, ALCATEL, ASTRIUM, SIEMENS, Freescale, Pierre Fabre, Robert Bosch...) and the services with the companies, even if, here, agriculture resists well and always occupies an important place.

The active population of Midi-Pyrenees is estimated at 1,065,341 people, including 87.5% in permanent salaried positions, placing Midi-Pyrenees 8th among the French regions.

The breakdown of jobs by major economic sectors — Agriculture, Industry, Tertiary - shows the predominance of the tertiary sector which accounts for 72% of regional jobs (similar to the national average of 74%).

Agriculture holds a relatively important place (higher than the national average) at the regional level (6% of jobs, which is higher than the national average), with significant variations by Department. Gers, Aveyron, Lot and Tarn-and-Garonne remain very marked by the agricultural activity (more than 10% of active population) while Haute-Garonne, Ariège, Tarn and Hautes-Pyrénées have a character much more industrialized.

Industry (except BTP: construction industry) gathers nearly 15% of employment, with stable manpower since a score of years, which shows the good resistance of regional industry, in spite of the continuous changes.
On a side, aeronautics and the space occupy a major place in this industrial landscape, by the level of manpower (57,000 employees), by the strong activity of subcontracting that they induce in sectors like mechanics and metallurgy, or by the effect of drive of industries high-tech like telecommunications, data processing and electronics.
On an other side, traditional industry (historical) has more problems, like the textile, clothing, leather, or some activities like the mechanical equipment or industries of mineral products. In the same way, the profile of employment follows this evolution: it concerns younger and more qualified people (14% of frameworks against 12% in France).

Active population by economic sector (31/12/2003):

Source INSEE TEMP 2006

Distribution of the establishments by size:  

Source : INSEE 2006