Russia: Population, Economy & Travel Facts
Essential data for planning your trip to Russia — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.
Population & Geography
Russia has a population of 144,478,050 spread across 17,100,000 km², giving it an average density of 8.4 people per km². It ranks among the 20 most populous countries in the world. With such low density, expect wide open spaces and a sense of remoteness outside major cities.
Population Density Map
Most Populous Cities
Demographics
Population Trends
How a country's age structure is shifting tells you a lot about what to expect on the ground. A growing elderly population often means better healthcare and higher costs, while a young population signals energy and growth but potentially less developed infrastructure.
Economy & Cost of Living
Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Russia is classified as a high income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 32% of US levels, meaning your money goes significantly further here — accommodation, food, and transport are very affordable by Western standards.
Tourism
Tourism data reveals how popular a destination is and how much infrastructure exists to support visitors. Tourism accounts for 1.3% of Russia's total exports, making it a smaller part of the economy, meaning you may find fewer purpose-built tourist facilities but more authentic experiences.
Health & Safety Infrastructure
Healthcare quality matters when you're far from home. These indicators help gauge what level of medical care is available — Russia has 5.11 physicians per 1,000 people, above the global average, indicating strong healthcare infrastructure.
Connectivity & Digital Infrastructure
Staying connected while travelling is essential for navigation, communication, and remote work. In Russia, 92% of the population uses the internet — expect widely available WiFi in hotels, cafes, and public spaces. There are 181 mobile subscriptions per 100 people, and local SIM cards are easy to find.
Source: World Bank Open Data