Russia vs China
Russia has a population of 146.0M, compared to China's 1.41B. China is 9.6 times more populous than Russia. Economically, China ($18.74T) has a GDP 8.6 times larger than Russia's ($2.17T). Russia covers 17,098,246 km², 1.8 times larger than China's 9,706,961 km². Life expectancy in China stands at 78.0 years, 4.7 years higher than Russia's 73.3 years.
RussiaChina| Population | -89.6%146.0M | +864.4%1.41B |
| Area | +76.1%17,098,246 km² | -43.2%9,706,961 km² |
| GDP | -88.4%$2.17T | +762.2%$18.74T |
| GDP Per Capita | +11.9%$14,889.019 | -10.7%$13,303.148 |
| Life Expectancy | -6.0%73.3 yrs | +6.4%78.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -17.8%3.7 | +21.6%4.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -53.8%2.1% | +116.4%4.6% |
| Capital | Moscow | Beijing |
| Region | Europe | Asia |
| Languages | Russian | Chinese |
| Currencies | RUB (₽) | CNY (¥) |
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
China is 9.6 times more populous than Russia, with 1.41B residents compared to 146.0M. Russia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while China is one of fewer than three countries with a population exceeding 1 billion. In terms of population density, Russia averages 9 people per km² (sparse), while China averages 145 people per km² (moderate). While Russia has grown at 0.00% annually over the past decade, China has grown at 0.34% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Russia is classified as a high-income economy, while China is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The China economy ($18.74T) is 8.6 times larger than Russia's ($2.17T). Russia's GDP per capita of $14,889.019 is 47% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. China's GDP per capita of $13,303.148 is 19% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Russia are on average 1.1 times wealthier than those in China.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Russia is 73.3 years, compared to 78.0 years in China, a gap of 4.7 years. China (78.0 years) is 6.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while Russia (73.3 years) is 1.3 years above the global average of 72 years. At 4.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, China's infant mortality is 22% higher than Russia's 3.7.
Geographic Comparison
Russia (17,098,246 km²) is 1.8 times larger by land area than China (9,706,961 km²). Russia shares borders with 14 countries, while China borders 16 countries. Russia spans 9 timezones, compared to China's 1 timezone. Both Russia and China are located in Europe and Asia. Russia is categorized within the Europe region (Eastern Europe), whereas China belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Russia and China is in population: Russia's 146.0M compared to China's 1.41B represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Russia and China is in GDP: Russia's $2.17T compared to China's $18.74T represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Russia and China is in land area: Russia's 17,098,246 km² compared to China's 9,706,961 km² represents a 43% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Russia's high-income economy and China's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Russia has a GDP per capita of $14,889.019, which is 1.1x that of China ($13,303.148). 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
China is 17.0x more densely populated than Russia (145 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 China live an average of 4.7 years longer than those of Russia (78.0 vs 73.3 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
China's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Russia's 4.3%. Both countries show healthy growth, though China has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Russia or China by population?
China is larger by population, with 1.41B residents compared to Russia's 146.0M. China is 9.6 times more populous than Russia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Russia or China?
China has the higher GDP at $18.74T, compared to Russia's $2.17T. China's economy is 8.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Russia and China?
China has a higher life expectancy at 78.0 years, compared to Russia's 73.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.7 years. Russia's life expectancy is 1.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while China's is 6.0 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Russia or China?
Russia is larger by land area, covering 17,098,246 km² compared to China's 9,706,961 km². Russia is 1.8 times larger than China.
What languages are spoken in Russia and China?
Russia recognizes the following official language: Russian. China recognizes: Chinese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Russia or China?
China has lower inflation at 0.2%, compared to Russia's 8.4%. China'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.