Russia vs Ukraine
Every indicator for Russia and Ukraine side by side, with the percentage gap between them. Sources are listed at the bottom of the page.
| Indicator | Russia | Ukraine | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population (2025) (people) | 143,513,328 | 38,980,376 | +268.2% |
| GDP (nominal) (billion $) | 2,561 | 214 | +1,096.7% |
| GDP per capita ($) | 17,547 | 5,866 | +199.1% |
| Life expectancy (years) | 73.4 | 74.7 | — |
| Area (km²) | 17,125,190 | 603,550 | +2,737.4% |
| Population density (people/km²) | 8 | 65 | −87.0% |
| Median age (years) | 40.3 | — | — |
| Internet usage (%) | 94.4 | 82.5 | — |
| Unemployment rate (%) | 2.1 | 9.8 | — |
| Inflation (%) | 8.7 | 12.7 | — |
| Urban population (%) | 75.3 | 69.6 | — |
| Military expenditure (2024) (million $) | 148,967 | 64,705 | +130.2% |
| Military expenditure as a share of GDP (%) | 7.05 | 34.48 | −79.6% |
| Military expenditure as a share of government spending (%) | 18.90 | 54.01 | −65.0% |
| Military expenditure per capita ($) | 1,038 | 1,660 | −37.5% |
| Armed forces personnel (2020) (people) | 1,454,000 | 298,000 | +387.9% |
| Armed forces per 1,000 people (people) | 10.1 | 7.6 | +32.5% |
| Armed forces as a share of the labor force (%) | 1.98 | 1.43 | +38.5% |
The difference column shows the percentage gap of Russia relative to Ukraine; a positive value favors Russia. Interpret it in context — for unemployment, a lower value is better.
At a glance
Russia is higher on 8 of the 12 indicators, while Ukraine leads on the remaining 4. The widest separation is in area, about 28 times; they are closest on armed forces per 1,000 people.
Key differences
- Area shows the widest gap of all: Russia stands at 17,125,190 against Ukraine's 603,550 — roughly 28 times as much.
- GDP (nominal) shows the widest gap of all: Russia stands at 2,561 against Ukraine's 214 — roughly 12 times as much.
- Ukraine's population density (65) is about 7.7 times Russia's (8).
- Ukraine's military expenditure as a share of gdp (34.48) is about 4.9 times Russia's (7.05).
- Russia's armed forces personnel (2020) (1,454,000) is about 4.9 times Ukraine's (298,000).
Frequently asked questions
Where do Russia and Ukraine differ most?
In area. Russia records 17,125,190 against Ukraine's 603,550 — a ratio of roughly 28 to one.
Where are Russia and Ukraine most alike?
In armed forces per 1,000 people, at 10.1 and 7.6 — a gap of only %33.
On how many indicators is Russia ahead of Ukraine?
Russia is higher on 8 of the 12 ratio-scale indicators and Ukraine on 4. A higher number is not automatically better, though — population density, for instance, is a characteristic rather than an advantage.
RussiaUkraine
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 Russia or Ukraine.
Russia profile →
All statistics, series, and details.
Ukraine profile →
All statistics, series, and details.
Data sourcesUN World Population Prospects, IMF, World Bank, SIPRI