Benin vs Russia
Benin has a population of 13.2M, compared to Russia's 146.0M. Russia is 11.0 times more populous than Benin. Economically, Russia ($2.17T) has a GDP 101.2 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Russia covers 17,098,246 km², 151.8 times larger than Benin's 112,622 km². Life expectancy in Russia stands at 73.3 years, 12.5 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.
BeninRussia| Population | -90.9%13.2M | +1004.2%146.0M |
| Area | -99.3%112,622 km² | +15082.0%17,098,246 km² |
| GDP | -99.0%$21.5B | +10019.0%$2.17T |
| GDP Per Capita | -90.0%$1,485.38 | +902.4%$14,889.019 |
| Life Expectancy | -17.0%60.8 yrs | +20.5%73.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1154.1%46.4 | -92.0%3.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -25.5%1.6% | +34.2%2.1% |
| Capital | Porto-Novo | Moscow |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | French | Russian |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | 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 11.0 times more populous than Benin, with 146.0M residents compared to 13.2M. Benin is a nation of 13.2M people, while Russia is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Benin averages 117 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 Benin.
Economy Comparison
Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Russia is classified as a high-income economy. The Russia economy ($2.17T) is 101.2 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Benin's GDP per capita of $1,485.38 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 Russia are on average 10.0 times wealthier than those in Benin.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Benin is 60.8 years, compared to 73.3 years in Russia, a gap of 12.5 years. Russia (73.3 years) is 1.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Benin (60.8 years) is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Benin's infant mortality is 1154% higher than Russia's 3.7.
Geographic Comparison
Russia (17,098,246 km²) is 151.8 times larger by land area than Benin (112,622 km²). Benin shares borders with 4 countries, while Russia borders 14 countries. Benin spans 1 timezone, compared to Russia's 9 timezones. Benin lies in Africa, while Russia is located in Europe and Asia. Benin is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Russia belongs to Europe (Eastern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Benin and Russia is in land area: Benin's 112,622 km² compared to Russia's 17,098,246 km² represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Benin and Russia is in GDP: Benin's $21.5B compared to Russia's $2.17T represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Benin and Russia is in infant mortality: Benin's 46.4 per 1,000 compared to Russia's 3.7 per 1,000 represents a 92% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Benin's lower-middle-income economy and Russia's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Russia has a GDP per capita of $14,889.019, which is 10.0x that of Benin ($1,485.38). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Russia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Benin is 13.7x more densely populated than Russia (117 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 Russia live an average of 12.5 years longer than those of Benin (73.3 vs 60.8 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
Benin's economy grew at 7.5% compared to Russia's 4.3%. Benin's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Benin vs Russia for Families
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin 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.
Benin vs Russia for Budget Travelers
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Russia. However, Russia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Benin vs Russia for Retirees
Russia's life expectancy of 73.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin 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.
Benin vs Russia Cost of Living
Russia's GDP per capita is 10.0x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Russia, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Benin can approach or exceed average costs in Russia's smaller cities.
Benin vs Russia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Benin and Russia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Benin spans 1 timezone while Russia covers 9. Benin'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, Benin or Russia by population?
Russia is larger by population, with 146.0M residents compared to Benin's 13.2M. Russia is 11.0 times more populous than Benin.
Which country has a higher GDP, Benin or Russia?
Russia has the higher GDP at $2.17T, compared to Benin's $21.5B. Russia's economy is 101.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Benin and Russia?
Russia has a higher life expectancy at 73.3 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 12.5 years. Benin's life expectancy is 11.2 years below 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, Benin or Russia?
Russia is larger by land area, covering 17,098,246 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km². Russia is 151.8 times larger than Benin.
What languages are spoken in Benin and Russia?
Benin recognizes the following official language: French. Russia recognizes: Russian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Benin or Russia?
Benin has lower inflation at 1.2%, compared to Russia's 8.4%. Benin'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 Benin or Russia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ...
Is Benin or Russia cheaper to visit?
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Russia. However, Russia may offer better value in spe...
Is Benin or Russia better for retirement?
Russia's life expectancy of 73.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin 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 Benin or Russia more expensive to live in?
Russia's GDP per capita is 10.0x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Russia, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by c...
Is Benin or Russia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Benin and Russia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Benin spans 1 timezone while Russia covers 9. Benin's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both...