The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a federal agency and unit of the United States Department of Labor. It serves as the principal fact-finding agency for the U.S. government in the field of labor economics and statistics, and is a key component of the U.S. Federal Statistical System. The BLS collects, processes, analyzes, and disseminates essential statistical data on employment, unemployment, productivity, wages, prices, and other labor-related metrics to the American public, U.S. Congress, other federal agencies, state and local governments, businesses, and labor representatives. It also provides statistical resources to the Department of Labor and conducts research on income levels required for a satisfactory quality of life.