results are the most relevant measure of performance, the Company also utilizes geographic area data as a secondary performance measure. Export sales are generally reported within the geographic area where the final sales to 3M customers are made. A portion of the products or components sold by 3M’s operations to its customers are exported by these customers to different geographic areas. As customers move their operations from one geographic area to another, 3M’s results will follow. Thus, net sales in a particular geographic area are not indicative of end-user consumption in that geographic area.

 

Financial information related to 3M operations in various geographic areas is provided in Note 18. Operating income results by geographic area were significantly impacted by restructuring and other items. In 2009, restructuring actions, partially offset by a gain on sales of real estate, decreased worldwide operating income by $194 million, with the largest impact in Europe, Asia Pacific and the United States.

 

A summary of key information and discussion related to 3M’s geographic areas follow:

  

For total year 2011, as shown in the preceding table, sales rose 11.1 percent, with organic volume increases of 3.7 percent, selling price increases of 1.0 percent, acquisitions of 3.3 percent, and foreign currency effects of 3.1 percent. Every major geographic region expanded sales, with total sales in Latin America/Canada up 15.6 percent, Europe, Middle East and Africa up 13.1 percent, Asia Pacific up 10.3 percent, and the United States up 8.9 percent. For 2011, international operations represented 66.1 percent of 3M’s sales.

 

For total year 2010, as shown in the preceding table, sales rose 15.3 percent, driven largely by organic volume increases of 13.7 percent. Every major geographic region expanded sales, with total sales in Asia Pacific up 34.9 percent, Latin America/Canada up 17.2 percent, the United States up 8.2 percent, and Europe, Middle East and Africa up 4.8 percent. Investments in innovation and new product development, sales and marketing capability and localized manufacturing created new growth opportunities in adjacent market spaces. For 2010, international operations represented 65.5 percent of 3M’s sales.

 

Geographic Area Supplemental Information

  

Employment:

 

At December 31, 2011, employment increased by 4,141 positions since year-end 2010, largely driven by acquisitions (estimated 2,250 full-time equivalents) and additions in developing economies. At December 31, 2010, employment increased by 5,222 positions since year-end 2009, largely driven by acquisitions (estimated 1,850 full-time equivalents) and additions in developing economies.

 

Capital Spending/Net Property, Plant and Equipment:

 

Capital expenditures were $1.379 billion in 2011, compared to $1.091 billion in 2010 and $903 million in 2009. The Company expects 2012 capital spending to be approximately $1.3 to $1.5 billion as 3M continues to invest in capacity for future growth. In 2011, a large portion of the investment is addressing supply constraints in a number of businesses with significant growth potential, such as renewable energy, traffic