labour force is the part of a nation’s population that works for pay or is actively looking for work. this group produces most of the nation’s goods and services, and its size and productivity determine the nation’s economic 经济 growth. the labour force of the united states increased from about 2 million in 1800 to about 118 million in the mid 1990’s. this growth helped turn the united states from a largely agricultural country to all advanced industrial one. the united states government uses the term “labour force” for people at least 16 years old who have jobs or are actively looking for jobs, including those in the armed forces. groups not in the labour force include disabled persons, full - time housewives, retired people, and students.
