RURAL LABOR FORCE SIZE AND STRUCTURE ANALYSIS

The paper aimed to analyse the main characteristics of Romania’s rural labour force by concentrating on dynamics and structure of economically active population in the period 2007-2012. We analysed the main labour market indicators provided by statistical surveys like active population, unemployment, activity rate, unemployment rate, etc. by age, educational level and group of occupations. Our analysis points out the current dimensions of labour force from rural areas, and more importantly the main problems on this market (lack of jobs, the increase of unemployment, the aging process of population (the continuous reduction of young population) and the low level of education) and also the real necessity of SME development support and training opportunities for economically active rural population.