South Africa vs Russia
Every indicator for South Africa and Russia side by side, with the percentage gap between them. Sources are listed at the bottom of the page.
| Indicator | South Africa | Russia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population (2025) (people) | 64,747,319 | 143,513,328 | −54.9% |
| GDP (nominal) (billion $) | 427 | 2,561 | −83.3% |
| GDP per capita ($) | 6,598 | 17,547 | −62.4% |
| Life expectancy (years) | 66.3 | 73.4 | — |
| Area (km²) | 1,219,090 | 17,125,190 | −92.9% |
| Population density (people/km²) | 53 | 8 | +533.8% |
| Median age (years) | 28.0 | 40.3 | — |
| Internet usage (%) | 78.4 | 94.4 | — |
| Unemployment rate (%) | 32.4 | 2.1 | — |
| Inflation (%) | 3.2 | 8.7 | — |
| Urban population (%) | 63.8 | 75.3 | — |
| Military expenditure (2024) (million $) | 2,836 | 148,967 | −98.1% |
| Military expenditure as a share of GDP (%) | 0.70 | 7.05 | −90.1% |
| Military expenditure as a share of government spending (%) | 2.11 | 18.90 | −88.8% |
| Military expenditure per capita ($) | 44 | 1,038 | −95.8% |
| Armed forces personnel (2020) (people) | 89,000 | 1,454,000 | −93.9% |
| Armed forces per 1,000 people (people) | 1.4 | 10.1 | −86.4% |
| Armed forces as a share of the labor force (%) | 0.40 | 1.98 | −79.8% |
The difference column shows the percentage gap of South Africa relative to Russia; a positive value favors South Africa. Interpret it in context — for unemployment, a lower value is better.
At a glance
Russia is higher on 11 of the 12 indicators, while South Africa leads on the remaining 1. The widest separation is in military expenditure (2024), about 53 times; they are closest on population (2025).
Key differences
- Military expenditure (2024) shows the widest gap of all: Russia stands at 148,967 against South Africa's 2,836 — roughly 53 times as much.
- Military expenditure per capita shows the widest gap of all: Russia stands at 1,038 against South Africa's 44 — roughly 24 times as much.
- Armed forces personnel (2020) shows the widest gap of all: Russia stands at 1,454,000 against South Africa's 89,000 — roughly 16 times as much.
- Area shows the widest gap of all: Russia stands at 17,125,190 against South Africa's 1,219,090 — roughly 14 times as much.
- Military expenditure as a share of GDP shows the widest gap of all: Russia stands at 7.05 against South Africa's 0.70 — roughly 10 times as much.
Frequently asked questions
Where do South Africa and Russia differ most?
Where are South Africa and Russia most alike?
On how many indicators is South Africa ahead of Russia?
The indicators use different scales, so the chart is a rough visual comparison only; use the table for exact figures.
Related comparisons
Other comparisons involving South Africa or Russia.
South Africa profile →
All statistics, series, and details.
Russia profile →
All statistics, series, and details.