Majandusharudest

Majandusharudest is an Estonian term referring to the main categories of economic activity within an economy. It is commonly used in statistical and economic analysis to describe the structure of GDP, employment, and production. In standard frameworks, economic activity is divided into three broad sectors: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Some analyses also discuss quaternary and quinary components as parts of a knowledge-based or high-level services economy, though these are not always formal sectors in national accounts.

The primary sector (mahepõllumajandus, metsandus, kalapüügi- ja kaevandustegevus) includes natural resource extraction such as agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining. The secondary sector covers manufacturing, processing, and construction, encompassing industry and related activities. The tertiary sector comprises services, including wholesale and retail trade, transportation, financial services, real estate, education, health, information technology, and public administration.

In Estonia and many other economies, the sectoral structure evolves with development. A smaller primary sector and a larger tertiary sector typically accompany higher income levels and advanced service-based industries. Estonia has seen substantial growth in services, particularly information and communications technology, professional services, and tourism, contributing a growing share to GDP and employment.

Data on majandusharudest are produced by official statistical authorities, such as Statistics Estonia, using standardized classifications like NACE Rev. 2. Analyzing sectoral composition helps policymakers assess productivity, growth potential, regional development, and the need for diversification within the economy.