RussiaNorth Korea
Russia has a population of 146.0M, compared to North Korea's 25.9M. Russia is 5.6 times more populous than North Korea. Russia covers 17,098,246 km², 141.8 times larger than North Korea's 120,538 km². Life expectancy in North Korea stands at 73.6 years, 0.4 years higher than Russia's 73.3 years.
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Russia wins
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North Korea wins
Metric
RussiaNorth Korea| Population | 146.0M | 25.9M |
| Area | 17,098,246 km² | 120,538 km² |
| GDP | $2.17T | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $14,889.019 | — |
| Life Expectancy | 73.3 yrs | 73.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 3.7 | 14.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.1% | 3.5% |
| Capital | Moscow | Pyongyang |
| Region | Europe | Asia |
| Languages | Russian | Korean |
| Currencies | RUB (₽) | KPW (₩) |
Last updated: April 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 5.6 times more populous than North Korea, with 146.0M residents compared to 25.9M. Russia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while North Korea is a nation of 25.9M people. In terms of population density, Russia averages 9 people per km² (sparse), while North Korea averages 215 people per km² (dense). While Russia has grown at 0.00% annually over the past decade, North Korea has grown at 0.42% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Russia is classified as a high-income economy, while North Korea is classified as a low-income economy. Russia's GDP stands at $2.17T. GDP data is not available for North Korea. Russia's GDP per capita of $14,889.019 is 47% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Economic indicator data is not available for North Korea.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Russia is 73.3 years, compared to 73.6 years in North Korea, a gap of 0.4 years. North Korea (73.6 years) is 1.6 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 14.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, North Korea's infant mortality is 292% higher than Russia's 3.7.
Geographic Comparison
Russia (17,098,246 km²) is 141.8 times larger by land area than North Korea (120,538 km²). Russia shares borders with 14 countries, while North Korea borders 3 countries. Russia spans 9 timezones, compared to North Korea's 1 timezone. Both Russia and North Korea are located in Europe and Asia. Russia is categorized within the Europe region (Eastern Europe), whereas North Korea belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Russia and North Korea is in land area: Russia's 17,098,246 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km² represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Russia and North Korea is in population: Russia's 146.0M compared to North Korea's 25.9M represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Russia and North Korea is in infant mortality: Russia's 3.7 per 1,000 compared to North Korea's 14.5 per 1,000 represents a 74% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Russia's high-income economy and North Korea's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
North Korea is 25.2x more densely populated than Russia (215 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 North Korea live an average of 0.4 years longer than those of Russia (73.6 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.
Travel Comparison
Russia vs North Korea for Families
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 vs 14.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. North Korea 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.
Russia vs North Korea 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 North Korea. However, North Korea may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Russia vs North Korea for Retirees
North Korea's life expectancy of 73.6 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.
Russia vs North Korea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Russia and North Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Russia spans 9 timezones while North Korea covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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, Russia or North Korea by population?
Russia is larger by population, with 146.0M residents compared to North Korea's 25.9M. Russia is 5.6 times more populous than North Korea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Russia or North Korea?
GDP data is not available for North Korea. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Russia and North Korea?
North Korea has a higher life expectancy at 73.6 years, compared to Russia's 73.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.4 years. Russia's life expectancy is 1.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while North Korea's is 1.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Russia or North Korea?
Russia is larger by land area, covering 17,098,246 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km². Russia is 141.8 times larger than North Korea.
What languages are spoken in Russia and North Korea?
Russia recognizes the following official language: Russian. North Korea recognizes: Korean. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Russia or North Korea?
Inflation data is not available for North Korea. Russia's inflation rate is 8.4%.
Is Russia or North Korea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 vs 14.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. North Korea offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both coun...
Is Russia or North Korea 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 North Korea. However, North Korea may offer bette...
Is Russia or North Korea better for retirement?
North Korea's life expectancy of 73.6 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, cl...
Is Russia or North Korea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Russia and North Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Russia spans 9 timezones while North Korea covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have g...
Population Growth
Russia, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
North Korea, 1994 to 2023