The Buffalo District is a microcosm of the United States economy with a diverse but declining industrial base including heavy manufacturing and growing "hightech", retail, wholesale, and service sectors, a substantial dairy and agricultural industry plus large tourism attractions. Buffalo also serves as a major "Gateway to Canada".The District employs a modern system of highways, airports, and rail systems connecting hundreds of small towns and rural communities with larger cities. Numerous private colleges and universities compliment a large statewide university system.