What area of economics deals with large-scale economic issues such as overall output and unemployment?

The area of economics that focuses on large-scale economic issues such as overall output and unemployment is macroeconomics. This branch of economics studies the economy as a whole, analyzing aggregate indicators and how they interact, including total national output (GDP), overall unemployment rates, inflation, and economic growth.

Macroeconomics is concerned with the big picture and the broader economic environment, including how government policies, international trade, and fiscal and monetary policy can influence the economy at large. It seeks to identify trends and patterns that affect the entire economy rather than individual markets or sectors, which is the domain of microeconomics.

By understanding macroeconomic factors, economists and policymakers can develop strategies to manage economic stability and growth, protect jobs, and minimize the effects of economic downturns. This understanding is crucial for making informed decisions that impact the economy's performance and the well-being of its participants. The other areas—microeconomics, econometrics, and development economics—focus on different aspects of economic study and do not address the broad, systemic issues covered by macroeconomics.