Middlesbrough (pop. 143,924) is a unitary authority (local government area) in northeastern England. Formerly a significant producer and exporter of coal, iron, and steel, Middlesbrough is now an important reception center for North Sea oil. Its docks handle cargo bound for all parts of the world, especially the Middle and Far East. An important export is locally mined potash. Other industries include engineering and the production of chemicals, clothes, electrical goods, mining equipment, and petroleum. Middlesbrough was founded in 1830.
