Russia vs Benin
Russia has a population of 146.0M, compared to Benin's 13.2M. Russia is 11.0 times more populous than Benin. Economically, Russia ($2.17T) has a GDP 101.2 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Russia covers 17,098,246 km², 151.8 times larger than Benin's 112,622 km². Life expectancy in Russia stands at 73.3 years, 12.5 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.
RussiaBenin| Population | +1004.2%146.0M | -90.9%13.2M |
| Area | +15082.0%17,098,246 km² | -99.3%112,622 km² |
| GDP | +10019.0%$2.17T | -99.0%$21.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | +902.4%$14,889.019 | -90.0%$1,485.38 |
| Life Expectancy | +20.5%73.3 yrs | -17.0%60.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -92.0%3.7 | +1154.1%46.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +34.2%2.1% | -25.5%1.6% |
| Capital | Moscow | Porto-Novo |
| Region | Europe | Africa |
| Languages | Russian | French |
| Currencies | RUB (₽) | XOF (Fr) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Russia is 11.0 times more populous than Benin, with 146.0M residents compared to 13.2M. Russia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Benin is a nation of 13.2M people. In terms of population density, Russia averages 9 people per km² (sparse), while Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate). Russia has grown at 0.00% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Benin.
Economy Comparison
Russia is classified as a high-income economy, while Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Russia economy ($2.17T) is 101.2 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Russia's GDP per capita of $14,889.019 is 47% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Benin's GDP per capita of $1,485.38 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Russia are on average 10.0 times wealthier than those in Benin.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Russia is 73.3 years, compared to 60.8 years in Benin, a gap of 12.5 years. Russia (73.3 years) is 1.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Benin (60.8 years) is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Benin's infant mortality is 1154% higher than Russia's 3.7.
Geographic Comparison
Russia (17,098,246 km²) is 151.8 times larger by land area than Benin (112,622 km²). Russia shares borders with 14 countries, while Benin borders 4 countries. Russia spans 9 timezones, compared to Benin's 1 timezone. Russia lies in Europe and Asia, while Benin is located in Africa. Russia is categorized within the Europe region (Eastern Europe), whereas Benin belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Russia and Benin is in land area: Russia's 17,098,246 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km² represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Russia and Benin is in GDP: Russia's $2.17T compared to Benin's $21.5B represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Russia and Benin is in infant mortality: Russia's 3.7 per 1,000 compared to Benin's 46.4 per 1,000 represents a 92% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Russia's high-income economy and Benin's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Russia has a GDP per capita of $14,889.019, which is 10.0x that of Benin ($1,485.38). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Russia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Benin is 13.7x more densely populated than Russia (117 vs 9 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Russia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Russia live an average of 12.5 years longer than those of Benin (73.3 vs 60.8 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Benin's economy grew at 7.5% compared to Russia's 4.3%. Benin's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Russia vs Benin for Families
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Russia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Russia vs Benin for Budget Travelers
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Russia. However, Russia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Russia vs Benin for Retirees
Russia's life expectancy of 73.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Russia vs Benin Cost of Living
Russia's GDP per capita is 10.0x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Russia, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Benin can approach or exceed average costs in Russia's smaller cities.
Russia vs Benin for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Russia and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Russia spans 9 timezones while Benin covers 1. Benin's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Russia or Benin by population?
Russia is larger by population, with 146.0M residents compared to Benin's 13.2M. Russia is 11.0 times more populous than Benin.
Which country has a higher GDP, Russia or Benin?
Russia has the higher GDP at $2.17T, compared to Benin's $21.5B. Russia's economy is 101.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Russia and Benin?
Russia has a higher life expectancy at 73.3 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 12.5 years. Russia's life expectancy is 1.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Benin's is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Russia or Benin?
Russia is larger by land area, covering 17,098,246 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km². Russia is 151.8 times larger than Benin.
What languages are spoken in Russia and Benin?
Russia recognizes the following official language: Russian. Benin recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Russia or Benin?
Benin has lower inflation at 1.2%, compared to Russia's 8.4%. Benin's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Russia's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 2.4 times the global median.
Is Russia or Benin better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ...
Is Russia or Benin cheaper to visit?
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Russia. However, Russia may offer better value in spe...
Is Russia or Benin better for retirement?
Russia's life expectancy of 73.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate ...
Is Russia or Benin more expensive to live in?
Russia's GDP per capita is 10.0x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Russia, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by c...
Is Russia or Benin better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Russia and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Russia spans 9 timezones while Benin covers 1. Benin's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bot...