Brunei vs Russia
Brunei has a population of 456K, compared to Russia's 146.0M. Russia is 320.6 times more populous than Brunei. Economically, Russia ($2.17T) has a GDP 141.7 times larger than Brunei's ($15.3B). Russia covers 17,098,246 km², 2965.9 times larger than Brunei's 5,765 km². Life expectancy in Brunei stands at 75.3 years, 2.1 years higher than Russia's 73.3 years.
BruneiRussia| Population | -99.7%456K | +31958.9%146.0M |
| Area | -100.0%5,765 km² | +296487.1%17,098,246 km² |
| GDP | -99.3%$15.3B | +14070.3%$2.17T |
| GDP Per Capita | +122.7%$33,153.474 | -55.1%$14,889.019 |
| Life Expectancy | +2.8%75.3 yrs | -2.8%73.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +121.6%8.2 | -54.9%3.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +147.4%5.3% | -59.6%2.1% |
| Capital | Bandar Seri Begawan | Moscow |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Malay | Russian |
| Currencies | BND ($), SGD ($) | 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 320.6 times more populous than Brunei, with 146.0M residents compared to 456K. Brunei is a nation of 456K people, while Russia is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Brunei averages 79 people per km² (moderate), while Russia averages 9 people per km² (sparse). Russia has grown at 0.00% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Brunei.
Economy Comparison
Brunei is classified as a high-income economy, while Russia is classified as a high-income economy. The Russia economy ($2.17T) is 141.7 times larger than Brunei's ($15.3B). Brunei's GDP per capita of $33,153.474 is 196% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 Brunei are on average 2.2 times wealthier than those in Russia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Brunei is 75.3 years, compared to 73.3 years in Russia, a gap of 2.1 years. Brunei (75.3 years) is 3.3 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 8.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Brunei's infant mortality is 122% higher than Russia's 3.7.
Geographic Comparison
Russia (17,098,246 km²) is 2965.9 times larger by land area than Brunei (5,765 km²). Brunei shares borders with 1 country, while Russia borders 14 countries. Brunei spans 1 timezone, compared to Russia's 9 timezones. Both Brunei and Russia are located in Asia. Brunei is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Russia belongs to Europe (Eastern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Brunei and Russia is in land area: Brunei's 5,765 km² compared to Russia's 17,098,246 km² represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Brunei and Russia is in population: Brunei's 456K compared to Russia's 146.0M represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Brunei and Russia is in GDP: Brunei's $15.3B compared to Russia's $2.17T represents a 99% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Brunei's high-income economy and Russia's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Brunei has a GDP per capita of $33,153.474, 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 Brunei is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Brunei is 9.3x more densely populated than Russia (79 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 Brunei live an average of 2.1 years longer than those of Russia (75.3 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 Brunei's 4.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Russia has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Brunei vs Russia for Families
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 vs 8.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Brunei 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.
Brunei 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 Brunei. However, Brunei may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Brunei vs Russia for Retirees
Brunei's life expectancy of 75.3 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.
Brunei vs Russia Cost of Living
Brunei'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 Brunei, 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 Brunei's smaller cities.
Brunei vs Russia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Brunei and Russia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Brunei 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, Brunei or Russia by population?
Russia is larger by population, with 146.0M residents compared to Brunei's 456K. Russia is 320.6 times more populous than Brunei.
Which country has a higher GDP, Brunei or Russia?
Russia has the higher GDP at $2.17T, compared to Brunei's $15.3B. Russia's economy is 141.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Brunei and Russia?
Brunei has a higher life expectancy at 75.3 years, compared to Russia's 73.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.1 years. Brunei's life expectancy is 3.3 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, Brunei or Russia?
Russia is larger by land area, covering 17,098,246 km² compared to Brunei's 5,765 km². Russia is 2965.9 times larger than Brunei.
What languages are spoken in Brunei and Russia?
Brunei recognizes the following official language: Malay. Russia recognizes: Russian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Brunei or Russia?
Brunei has lower inflation at -0.4%, compared to Russia's 8.4%. Brunei'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 Brunei or Russia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 vs 8.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Brunei offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ...
Is Brunei 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 Brunei. However, Brunei may offer better value in...
Is Brunei or Russia better for retirement?
Brunei's life expectancy of 75.3 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 Brunei or Russia more expensive to live in?
Brunei'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 Brunei, while Russia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Brunei or Russia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Brunei and Russia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Brunei spans 1 timezone while Russia covers 9. Russia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. B...