Russia vs Japan
Russia has a population of 146.0M, compared to Japan's 123.2M. Russia is 1.2 times more populous than Japan. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 1.9 times larger than Russia's ($2.17T). Russia covers 17,098,246 km², 45.2 times larger than Japan's 377,930 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 10.8 years higher than Russia's 73.3 years.
RussiaJapan| Population | +18.5%146.0M | -15.6%123.2M |
| Area | +4424.2%17,098,246 km² | -97.8%377,930 km² |
| GDP | -46.0%$2.17T | +85.3%$4.03T |
| GDP Per Capita | -54.2%$14,889.019 | +118.2%$32,487.078 |
| Life Expectancy | -12.8%73.3 yrs | +14.7%84.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +105.6%3.7 | -51.4%1.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -13.0%2.1% | +14.9%2.5% |
| Capital | Moscow | Tokyo |
| Region | Europe | Asia |
| Languages | Russian | Japanese |
| Currencies | RUB (₽) | JPY (¥) |
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 1.2 times more populous than Japan, with 146.0M residents compared to 123.2M. Russia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Russia averages 9 people per km² (sparse), while Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense). Russia has grown at 0.00% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Japan.
Economy Comparison
Russia is classified as a high-income economy, while Japan is classified as a high-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 1.9 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. Japan's GDP per capita of $32,487.078 is 190% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Japan are on average 2.2 times wealthier than those in Russia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Russia is 73.3 years, compared to 84.0 years in Japan, a gap of 10.8 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 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 3.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Russia's infant mortality is 106% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
Russia (17,098,246 km²) is 45.2 times larger by land area than Japan (377,930 km²). Russia shares borders with 14 countries, while Japan borders 0 countries. Russia spans 9 timezones, compared to Japan's 1 timezone. Both Russia and Japan are located in Europe and Asia. Russia is categorized within the Europe region (Eastern Europe), whereas Japan belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Russia and Japan is in land area: Russia's 17,098,246 km² compared to Japan's 377,930 km² represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Russia and Japan is in GDP per capita: Russia's $14,889.019 compared to Japan's $32,487.078 represents a 54% gap. The most significant difference between Russia and Japan is in infant mortality: Russia's 3.7 per 1,000 compared to Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 represents a 51% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Russia's high-income economy and Japan's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Japan has a GDP per capita of $32,487.078, which is 2.2x 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 Japan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Japan is 38.2x more densely populated than Russia (326 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 Japan live an average of 10.8 years longer than those of Russia (84.0 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 Japan's 0.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Russia has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Russia vs Japan for Families
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 3.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Russia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Japan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Russia vs Japan 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 Japan. However, Japan 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 Japan for Retirees
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 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.
Russia vs Japan Cost of Living
Japan's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Russia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, 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 Japan's smaller cities.
Russia vs Japan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Russia and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Russia spans 9 timezones while Japan covers 1. 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, Russia or Japan by population?
Russia is larger by population, with 146.0M residents compared to Japan's 123.2M. Russia is 1.2 times more populous than Japan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Russia or Japan?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to Russia's $2.17T. Japan's economy is 1.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Russia and Japan?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to Russia's 73.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.8 years. Russia's life expectancy is 1.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Japan's is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Russia or Japan?
Russia is larger by land area, covering 17,098,246 km² compared to Japan's 377,930 km². Russia is 45.2 times larger than Japan.
What languages are spoken in Russia and Japan?
Russia recognizes the following official language: Russian. Japan recognizes: Japanese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Russia or Japan?
Japan has lower inflation at 2.7%, compared to Russia's 8.4%. Japan'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 Japan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 3.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Russia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attra...
Is Russia or Japan 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 Japan. However, Japan may offer better value in s...
Is Russia or Japan better for retirement?
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 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 Russia or Japan more expensive to live in?
Japan's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Russia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Russia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Russia or Japan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Russia and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Russia spans 9 timezones while Japan covers 1. Russia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...