Russia vs Ukraine
Population, economy and geography side by side
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Russia has 3.6 times as many people as Ukraine (143 million vs 39.5 million in 2026). Russia is 28.3 times larger by land area. GDP per capita is higher in Russia ($17,547 vs $5,866). People live longer on average in Ukraine (74.7 vs 73.4 years).
| Russia | Ukraine | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2026) | 143,292,448 | 39,535,849 |
| Yearly population change | −0.15% | +1.43% |
| Population 2050 (projected) | 137 million | 32.0 million |
| Land area | 16,376,870 km² | 579,400 km² |
| Density | 9/km² | 68/km² |
| GDP | $2.56 trillion (2025) | $214 billion (2025) |
| GDP per capita | $17,547 (2025) | $5,866 (2025) |
| Life expectancy | 73.4 years | 74.7 years |
| Births per woman | 1.42 | 0.99 |
| Urban population | 75% | 70% |
| Capital | Moscow | Kyiv |
| Currency | Russian ruble (RUB) | hryvnia (UAH) |
| Calling code | +7 | +380 |
Share of world population: Russia 1.73%, Ukraine 0.48%.
Frequently asked questions
Which has a bigger population, Russia or Ukraine?
Russia: about 143 million people versus 39.5 million in Ukraine (2026).
Is Russia bigger than Ukraine?
By land area, Russia is larger: 16,376,870 km² versus 579,400 km².
Which economy is bigger, Russia or Ukraine?
Russia, with a GDP of $2.56 trillion versus $214 billion (World Bank, current US$).
Sources: World Bank Open Data — World Development Indicators and Population Estimates and Projections (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata (CC0). Retrieved 2026-10-22. GDP in current US dollars (World Bank, latest available year).