The labor force is defined as:

The labor force is defined as the sum of employed and unemployed individuals. This definition is crucial because it reflects those who are actively participating in the labor market, either by holding jobs or by being actively seeking employment. It does not simply encompass all individuals within a country or those above a certain age, as these categories would include individuals who are not actively looking for work or are unable to work for various reasons. The labor force only includes those who are engaged in economic activity, thus providing a clearer picture of the workforce available to drive economic growth and productivity. This focus allows economists and policymakers to assess the health of the labor market and implement appropriate measures to support employment and job creation.