RussiaCuba
Russia has a population of 146.0M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Russia is 15.0 times more populous than Cuba. Russia covers 17,098,246 km², 155.6 times larger than Cuba's 109,884 km². Life expectancy in Cuba stands at 78.1 years, 4.8 years higher than Russia's 73.3 years.
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Russia wins
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Cuba wins
Metric
RussiaCuba| Population | 146.0M | 9.7M |
| Area | 17,098,246 km² | 109,884 km² |
| GDP | $2.17T | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $14,889.019 | — |
| Life Expectancy | 73.3 yrs | 78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 3.7 | 6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.1% | 1.7% |
| Capital | Moscow | Havana |
| Region | Europe | Americas |
| Languages | Russian | Spanish |
| Currencies | RUB (₽) | CUC ($), CUP ($) |
Last updated: April 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 15.0 times more populous than Cuba, with 146.0M residents compared to 9.7M. Russia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, Russia averages 9 people per km² (sparse), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). While Russia has grown at 0.00% annually over the past decade, Cuba has grown at -0.25% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Russia is classified as a high-income economy, while Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. Russia's GDP stands at $2.17T. GDP data is not available for Cuba. Russia's GDP per capita of $14,889.019 is 47% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Russia is 73.3 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 4.8 years. Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 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 6.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cuba's infant mortality is 78% higher than Russia's 3.7.
Geographic Comparison
Russia (17,098,246 km²) is 155.6 times larger by land area than Cuba (109,884 km²). Russia shares borders with 14 countries, while Cuba borders 0 countries. Russia spans 9 timezones, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. Russia lies in Europe and Asia, while Cuba is located in North America. Russia is categorized within the Europe region (Eastern Europe), whereas Cuba belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Russia and Cuba is in land area: Russia's 17,098,246 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Russia and Cuba is in population: Russia's 146.0M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Russia and Cuba is in infant mortality: Russia's 3.7 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 44% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Russia's high-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Cuba is 10.4x more densely populated than Russia (89 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 Cuba live an average of 4.8 years longer than those of Russia (78.1 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
Russia's economy grew at 4.3% compared to Cuba's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Russia has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Cuba's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Russia vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 vs 6.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cuba 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 Cuba 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 Cuba. However, Cuba 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 Cuba for Retirees
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 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 Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Russia and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Russia spans 9 timezones while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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 Cuba by population?
Russia is larger by population, with 146.0M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Russia is 15.0 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, Russia or Cuba?
GDP data is not available for Cuba. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Russia and Cuba?
Cuba has a higher life expectancy at 78.1 years, compared to Russia's 73.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.8 years. Russia's life expectancy is 1.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cuba's is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Russia or Cuba?
Russia is larger by land area, covering 17,098,246 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km². Russia is 155.6 times larger than Cuba.
What languages are spoken in Russia and Cuba?
Russia recognizes the following official language: Russian. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Russia or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Cuba. Russia's inflation rate is 8.4%.
Is Russia or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 vs 6.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cuba offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ha...
Is Russia or Cuba 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 Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value in spe...
Is Russia or Cuba better for retirement?
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 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 p...
Is Russia or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Russia and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Russia spans 9 timezones while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital...
Population Growth
Russia, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Cuba, 1994 to 2023