What group does the term "economically active" refer to?

The term "economically active" refers to individuals who are engaged in economic activities, which typically includes those who are either employed or actively seeking employment. This group generally encompasses people between the ages of 16 and 65, as this age range includes the majority of the working-age population.

In many countries, individuals 16 years and older are legally allowed to work, while those up to 65 are often in their prime working years. This distinction is important since it aligns with labor market participation and economic contributions of individuals within society.

The other groups mentioned do not fit the definition of "economically active." Those over the age of 65 may or may not be economically active, depending on their employment status and retirement choices. Similarly, individuals under the age of 16 are typically not allowed to participate fully in the workforce, while unemployed individuals, although they are seeking work, are still considered part of the economically active population only if they are actively looking for jobs. Hence, the correct identification of the economically active group focuses on those within the specified age range of 16 to 65.