This thesis deals with the impact of industry on the economic development of the city of Rijeka. The development of industry in the city was influenced by natural-geographical and socio-geographical factors. Natural-geographical factors influenced the development of the port, and socio-geographical factors influenced the development of other activities. The main objective of the thesis was to show how industry has influenced the development of Rijeka. The research conducted analyzed the historical-geographical development of industry, population trends and the impact of industry on education and the environment. The thesis presents the positive and negative consequences of industrial development. The second half of the 18th century, with the opening of new industrial plants, expands the demand for labor in secondary industries. In the second half of the 20th century, tertiary activities developed in addition to secondary activities, which resulted in a greater influx of population from distant areas. In the late 20th century and early 21st century, the process of privatization of industrial plants and the process of de-industrialization began.