Russia Population 2026: 144.1M People, Vast Empty Land

Russia is one of the most sparsely populated countries on the planet: 144.1M people across 17,098,242 km², giving a density of 8.4/km².

GDP per capita stands at $15,560: a figure above the global median. The capital, Moscow, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.

📊 Population at a Glance

👥
Total Population
144.1M
estimated
🏙️
Population Density
8.4/km²
per km²
📐
Total Area
17,098,242 km²
land coverage
🏛️
Capital City
Moscow
main city
💰
GDP
$2.24T
total output
💵
GDP Per Capita
$15,560
per person

About Russia's Population

With a population of 144.1M, Russia is home to a significant number of people within its 17,098,242 km² of territory. The population density of 8.4/km² reflects how people are distributed across the country: one of the lowest densities in the world, with vast open and largely uninhabited spaces.

The capital city, Moscow, serves as the administrative, cultural and economic heart of Russia. Russia has a coastline of 37,653 km, which has historically attracted settlement and shaped where the majority of the population lives and works.

In economic terms, Russia has a total GDP of $2.24T, translating to $15,560 per person. This figure gives a broad indication of average living standards, though income distribution varies considerably across different regions and communities within the country. The official currency is the Ruble (RUB).

Russia gained independence in 862 and has since developed a distinct national identity shaped by its geography, history and culture. The official language is Russian, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population in daily life, education and government.

Frequently Asked Questions about Russia's Population

What is the population of Russia in 2026?

The population of Russia is approximately 144.1M people as of 2026.

What is the capital city of Russia?

The capital city of Russia is Moscow, which serves as the country's main administrative and cultural hub.

How densely populated is Russia?

Russia has a population density of 8.4/km². This is very low density, with large amounts of open, sparsely settled land.

What is the GDP per capita of Russia?

Russia has a GDP per capita of $15,560, with a total GDP of $2.24T. This gives an indication of average economic output per person.

What language do people speak in Russia?

The official language of Russia is Russian.

How big is Russia?

Russia covers a total area of 17,098,242 km². With a population of 144.1M, that gives a density of 8.4/km².

When did Russia gain independence?

Russia gained independence in 862.

What currency is used in Russia?

The official currency of Russia is the Ruble (RUB).

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