Turkmenistan vs Russia
Turkmenistan has a population of 7.1M, compared to Russia's 146.0M. Russia is 20.7 times more populous than Turkmenistan. Economically, Russia ($2.17T) has a GDP 42.3 times larger than Turkmenistan's ($51.4B). Russia covers 17,098,246 km², 35.0 times larger than Turkmenistan's 488,100 km². Life expectancy in Russia stands at 73.3 years, 3.2 years higher than Turkmenistan's 70.1 years.
TurkmenistanRussia| Population | -95.2%7.1M | +1969.0%146.0M |
| Area | -97.1%488,100 km² | +3403.0%17,098,246 km² |
| GDP | -97.6%$51.4B | +4130.3%$2.17T |
| GDP Per Capita | -53.9%$6,856.658 | +117.1%$14,889.019 |
| Life Expectancy | -4.3%70.1 yrs | +4.5%73.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +743.2%31.2 | -88.1%3.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +100.0%4.3% | -50.0%2.1% |
| Capital | Ashgabat | Moscow |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Russian, Turkmen | Russian |
| Currencies | TMT (m) | 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 20.7 times more populous than Turkmenistan, with 146.0M residents compared to 7.1M. Turkmenistan is a nation of 7.1M people, while Russia is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Turkmenistan averages 14 people per km² (sparse), while Russia averages 9 people per km² (sparse). While Turkmenistan has grown at 2.17% annually over the past decade, Russia has grown at 0.00% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Turkmenistan is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Russia is classified as a high-income economy. The Russia economy ($2.17T) is 42.3 times larger than Turkmenistan's ($51.4B). Turkmenistan's GDP per capita of $6,856.658 is 39% below 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 Russia are on average 2.2 times wealthier than those in Turkmenistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Turkmenistan is 70.1 years, compared to 73.3 years in Russia, a gap of 3.2 years. Russia (73.3 years) is 1.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Turkmenistan (70.1 years) is 1.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 31.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Turkmenistan's infant mortality is 743% higher than Russia's 3.7.
Geographic Comparison
Russia (17,098,246 km²) is 35.0 times larger by land area than Turkmenistan (488,100 km²). Turkmenistan shares borders with 4 countries, while Russia borders 14 countries. Turkmenistan spans 1 timezone, compared to Russia's 9 timezones. Both Turkmenistan and Russia are located in Asia. Turkmenistan is categorized within the Asia region (Central Asia), whereas Russia belongs to Europe (Eastern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Turkmenistan and Russia is in GDP: Turkmenistan's $51.4B compared to Russia's $2.17T represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Turkmenistan and Russia is in land area: Turkmenistan's 488,100 km² compared to Russia's 17,098,246 km² represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Turkmenistan and Russia is in population: Turkmenistan's 7.1M compared to Russia's 146.0M represents a 95% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Turkmenistan's upper-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 2.2x that of Turkmenistan ($6,856.658). 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
Turkmenistan is 1.7x more densely populated than Russia (14 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 3.2 years longer than those of Turkmenistan (73.3 vs 70.1 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
Turkmenistan's economy grew at 6.3% compared to Russia's 4.3%. Turkmenistan's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Turkmenistan vs Russia for Families
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 vs 31.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Turkmenistan 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.
Turkmenistan vs Russia for Budget Travelers
Turkmenistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,856.658 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Turkmenistan 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.
Turkmenistan vs Russia for Retirees
Russia's life expectancy of 73.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Turkmenistan 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.
Turkmenistan vs Russia Cost of Living
Russia's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Turkmenistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Russia, while Turkmenistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Turkmenistan can approach or exceed average costs in Russia's smaller cities.
Turkmenistan vs Russia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Turkmenistan and Russia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkmenistan spans 1 timezone while Russia covers 9. Turkmenistan'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, Turkmenistan or Russia by population?
Russia is larger by population, with 146.0M residents compared to Turkmenistan's 7.1M. Russia is 20.7 times more populous than Turkmenistan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Turkmenistan or Russia?
Russia has the higher GDP at $2.17T, compared to Turkmenistan's $51.4B. Russia's economy is 42.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Turkmenistan and Russia?
Russia has a higher life expectancy at 73.3 years, compared to Turkmenistan's 70.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.2 years. Turkmenistan's life expectancy is 1.9 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, Turkmenistan or Russia?
Russia is larger by land area, covering 17,098,246 km² compared to Turkmenistan's 488,100 km². Russia is 35.0 times larger than Turkmenistan.
What languages are spoken in Turkmenistan and Russia?
Turkmenistan recognizes the following languages: Russian, Turkmen. Russia recognizes: Russian. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Turkmenistan or Russia?
Inflation data is not available for Turkmenistan. Russia's inflation rate is 8.4%.
Is Turkmenistan or Russia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 vs 31.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Turkmenistan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both cou...
Is Turkmenistan or Russia cheaper to visit?
Turkmenistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,856.658 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Turkmenistan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Russia. However, Russia may offer bett...
Is Turkmenistan or Russia better for retirement?
Russia's life expectancy of 73.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Turkmenistan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, c...
Is Turkmenistan or Russia more expensive to live in?
Russia's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Turkmenistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Russia, while Turkmenistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is Turkmenistan or Russia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Turkmenistan and Russia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkmenistan spans 1 timezone while Russia covers 9. Turkmenistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchin...