It brings in more than the net worth of a small country, yet it doesn’t have an official listing in area phone books.

It’s estimated that the adult entertainment industry is worth $12.9 billion. Pornography is now available, not just through late night pay-per-view and the Internet, but by podcast.

A drive down I-44 shows just how prevalent pornography, exotic dance clubs and adult novelties are in today’s society.

Now, with rapidly changing ideas about sex and entertainment, the adult industry is bringing in more than ever. Research compiled by AVN (Adult Video News) found total profits from video, magazine, cable/PPV, Internet, dance clubs, mobile and novelties are up 2.4 percent from 2005.

“Today, consumers have more options to access adult content, and they are taking advantage of them,” said Paul Fishbein, president of AVN Media Network.

The popularity of the adult industry can also be seen on a local level with the number of novelty providers for all niches of the adult world.

Janet Cline, owner of Romantic Delights in Joplin, runs what she hopes is a friendly environment for local women, where they can shop without embarrassment.

“The college-aged people, they realize safe sex is great and they don’t need to have a man, and I think that’s great,” she said.