The US government, United Nations, European Commission, and Library reference sources have developed industry classification codes to establish a common shorthand to describe industries.
Click here for a helpful explanation from the Library of Congress.
Use the codes when searching the US Economic Census, company directories, and industry guides.
For example, when searching the 2012 US Economic Census for restaurant data by state, you will start at
2012 Accommodation and Food Services (NAICS Sector 72). Note the fine distinctions among food services.
