Panama vs Russia
Panama has a population of 4.1M, compared to Russia's 146.0M. Russia is 35.9 times more populous than Panama. Economically, Russia ($2.17T) has a GDP 25.1 times larger than Panama's ($86.5B). Russia covers 17,098,246 km², 226.7 times larger than Panama's 75,417 km². Life expectancy in Panama stands at 79.6 years, 6.3 years higher than Russia's 73.3 years.
PanamaRussia| Population | -97.2%4.1M | +3492.5%146.0M |
| Area | -99.6%75,417 km² | +22571.6%17,098,246 km² |
| GDP | -96.0%$86.5B | +2412.4%$2.17T |
| GDP Per Capita | +28.7%$19,161.219 | -22.3%$14,889.019 |
| Life Expectancy | +8.7%79.6 yrs | -8.0%73.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +186.5%10.6 | -65.1%3.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +291.9%8.4% | -74.5%2.1% |
| Capital | Panama City | Moscow |
| Region | Americas | Europe |
| Languages | Spanish | Russian |
| Currencies | PAB (B/.), USD ($) | 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 35.9 times more populous than Panama, with 146.0M residents compared to 4.1M. Panama is a nation of 4.1M people, while Russia is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Panama averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Russia averages 9 people per km² (sparse). While Panama has grown at 1.54% annually over the past decade, Russia has grown at 0.00% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Panama is classified as a high-income economy, while Russia is classified as a high-income economy. The Russia economy ($2.17T) is 25.1 times larger than Panama's ($86.5B). Panama's GDP per capita of $19,161.219 is 42% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. 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 Panama are on average 1.3 times wealthier than those in Russia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Panama is 79.6 years, compared to 73.3 years in Russia, a gap of 6.3 years. Panama (79.6 years) is 7.6 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 10.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Panama's infant mortality is 186% higher than Russia's 3.7.
Geographic Comparison
Russia (17,098,246 km²) is 226.7 times larger by land area than Panama (75,417 km²). Panama shares borders with 2 countries, while Russia borders 14 countries. Panama spans 1 timezone, compared to Russia's 9 timezones. Panama lies in North America, while Russia is located in Europe and Asia. Panama is categorized within the Americas region (Central America), whereas Russia belongs to Europe (Eastern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Panama and Russia is in land area: Panama's 75,417 km² compared to Russia's 17,098,246 km² represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Panama and Russia is in population: Panama's 4.1M compared to Russia's 146.0M represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Panama and Russia is in GDP: Panama's $86.5B compared to Russia's $2.17T represents a 96% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Panama's high-income economy and Russia's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Panama has a GDP per capita of $19,161.219, which is 1.3x 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 Panama is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Panama is 6.3x more densely populated than Russia (54 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 Panama live an average of 6.3 years longer than those of Russia (79.6 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 Panama's 2.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Russia has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Panama vs Russia for Families
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 vs 10.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Panama 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.
Panama vs Russia for Budget Travelers
Russia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $14,889.019 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Russia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Panama. However, Panama may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Panama vs Russia for Retirees
Panama's life expectancy of 79.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Russia 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.
Panama vs Russia Cost of Living
Panama's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Russia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Panama, while Russia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Russia can approach or exceed average costs in Panama's smaller cities.
Panama vs Russia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Panama and Russia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Panama spans 1 timezone while Russia covers 9. Russia'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, Panama or Russia by population?
Russia is larger by population, with 146.0M residents compared to Panama's 4.1M. Russia is 35.9 times more populous than Panama.
Which country has a higher GDP, Panama or Russia?
Russia has the higher GDP at $2.17T, compared to Panama's $86.5B. Russia's economy is 25.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Panama and Russia?
Panama has a higher life expectancy at 79.6 years, compared to Russia's 73.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.3 years. Panama's life expectancy is 7.6 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, Panama or Russia?
Russia is larger by land area, covering 17,098,246 km² compared to Panama's 75,417 km². Russia is 226.7 times larger than Panama.
What languages are spoken in Panama and Russia?
Panama recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Russia recognizes: Russian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Panama or Russia?
Panama has lower inflation at 0.7%, compared to Russia's 8.4%. Panama'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 Panama or Russia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 vs 10.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Panama offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries...
Is Panama or Russia cheaper to visit?
Russia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $14,889.019 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Russia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Panama. However, Panama may offer better value in...
Is Panama or Russia better for retirement?
Panama's life expectancy of 79.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Russia 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 Panama or Russia more expensive to live in?
Panama's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Russia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Panama, while Russia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Panama or Russia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Panama and Russia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Panama spans 1 timezone while Russia covers 9. Russia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. B...