United Kingdom vs Russia
United Kingdom has a population of 69.3M, compared to Russia's 146.0M. Russia is 2.1 times more populous than United Kingdom. Economically, United Kingdom ($3.69T) has a GDP 1.7 times larger than Russia's ($2.17T). Russia covers 17,098,246 km², 70.0 times larger than United Kingdom's 244,376 km². Life expectancy in United Kingdom stands at 81.2 years, 8.0 years higher than Russia's 73.3 years.
United KingdomRussia| Population | -52.6%69.3M | +110.8%146.0M |
| Area | -98.6%244,376 km² | +6896.7%17,098,246 km² |
| GDP | +69.6%$3.69T | -41.0%$2.17T |
| GDP Per Capita | +257.6%$53,246.368 | -72.0%$14,889.019 |
| Life Expectancy | +10.9%81.2 yrs | -9.8%73.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +8.1%4.0 | -7.5%3.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +122.5%4.7% | -55.1%2.1% |
| Capital | London | Moscow |
| Region | Europe | Europe |
| Languages | English | Russian |
| Currencies | GBP (£) | RUB (₽) |
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 2.1 times more populous than United Kingdom, with 146.0M residents compared to 69.3M. United Kingdom is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Russia is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, United Kingdom averages 284 people per km² (dense), while Russia averages 9 people per km² (sparse). While United Kingdom has grown at 0.66% annually over the past decade, Russia has grown at 0.00% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
United Kingdom is classified as a high-income economy, while Russia is classified as a high-income economy. The United Kingdom economy ($3.69T) is 1.7 times larger than Russia's ($2.17T). United Kingdom's GDP per capita of $53,246.368 is 90% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Russia's GDP per capita of $14,889.019 is 47% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of United Kingdom are on average 3.6 times wealthier than those in Russia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in United Kingdom is 81.2 years, compared to 73.3 years in Russia, a gap of 8.0 years. United Kingdom (81.2 years) is 9.2 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 4.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, United Kingdom's infant mortality is 8% higher than Russia's 3.7.
Geographic Comparison
Russia (17,098,246 km²) is 70.0 times larger by land area than United Kingdom (244,376 km²). United Kingdom shares borders with 1 country, while Russia borders 14 countries. United Kingdom spans 9 timezones, compared to Russia's 9 timezones. Both United Kingdom and Russia are located in Europe. Both countries fall within the Europe region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Europe and Eastern Europe.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between United Kingdom and Russia is in land area: United Kingdom's 244,376 km² compared to Russia's 17,098,246 km² represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between United Kingdom and Russia is in GDP per capita: United Kingdom's $53,246.368 compared to Russia's $14,889.019 represents a 72% gap. The most significant difference between United Kingdom and Russia is in population: United Kingdom's 69.3M compared to Russia's 146.0M represents a 53% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between United Kingdom's high-income economy and Russia's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
United Kingdom has a GDP per capita of $53,246.368, which is 3.6x that of Russia ($14,889.019). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in United Kingdom is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
United Kingdom is 33.2x more densely populated than Russia (284 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 United Kingdom live an average of 8.0 years longer than those of Russia (81.2 vs 73.3 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
Russia's economy grew at 4.3% compared to United Kingdom's 1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Russia has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, United Kingdom or Russia by population?
Russia is larger by population, with 146.0M residents compared to United Kingdom's 69.3M. Russia is 2.1 times more populous than United Kingdom.
Which country has a higher GDP, United Kingdom or Russia?
United Kingdom has the higher GDP at $3.69T, compared to Russia's $2.17T. United Kingdom's economy is 1.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between United Kingdom and Russia?
United Kingdom has a higher life expectancy at 81.2 years, compared to Russia's 73.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.0 years. United Kingdom's life expectancy is 9.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Russia's is 1.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, United Kingdom or Russia?
Russia is larger by land area, covering 17,098,246 km² compared to United Kingdom's 244,376 km². Russia is 70.0 times larger than United Kingdom.
What languages are spoken in United Kingdom and Russia?
United Kingdom recognizes the following official language: English. Russia recognizes: Russian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, United Kingdom or Russia?
United Kingdom has lower inflation at 3.3%, compared to Russia's 8.4%. United Kingdom's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Russia's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 2.4 times the global median.