Boston is one of America's oldest cities, with a rich economic and social history. The metropolitan area has the sixth largest economy in the country and 12th largest in the world.  Financial services, especially mutual funds and insurance, are an important business sector.  Greater Boston is also home to a large number of technology companies and is a hub for biotechnology and it is rated as the top life sciences cluster in the country. Many of Boston's major medical facilities are associated with universities. These facilities are both teaching hospitals and medical research centers. Tourism is another large industry bringing 10 million visitors a year to the area. Our cultural and business diversity makes it a great place to live and conduct commerce.