Who makes up the working age population?

The working age population consists of individuals aged 16 years and older, making this option the correct choice. This classification includes those who are legally allowed to work and has been established to provide an understanding of the labor market.

While individuals aged 18 or older could be part of the working force, defining the working age population starting from 16 allows for a broader inclusion of teenagers who may hold part-time jobs or engage in workforce activities. This distinction becomes particularly relevant when analyzing labor force participation rates and employment statistics.

Furthermore, focusing on those with full-time jobs or those who are unemployed does not accurately capture the entire scope of the working age population but rather subsets of it. The working age population is a foundational concept in macroeconomics, serving as a critical component in discussions about economic productivity, labor force participation, and overall economic health.