 The number of fast food outlets doubled between 1995 and 2005, while the strength of the traditional catering has stagnated.Cherbourg-Octeville, the largest city of the department, is the main centre for administration and services for the Cotentin.Health is an important provider of jobs with the (470 beds, second of Lower Normandy, merged since 2006 with the Hospital of Valognes) and the Cotentin Polyclinic.