Russia Vs USA Country Comparison 2025
The United States and Russia are considered two of the most powerful countries in the world. Tensions between them have existed for decades, and there have been times when a war between the two seemed possible. People are curious to know if a third world war breaks out between the U.S. and Russia, which country would prove to be stronger and hold the upper hand. Additionally, the lifestyle, culture, and cuisine of these countries are also interesting topics for many.
| Parameter | United States (USA) | Russia |
|---|---|---|
| Area | 8.34 million sq. km | 17 million sq. km (largest country in the world) |
| Population | 335 million (3rd largest globally) | 145 million |
| Population Density | 37 people/sq. km | 8.5 people/sq. km |
| Provinces/States | 50 States | 83 Provinces |
| Climate Diversity | Diverse, but moderate | Extreme (-50°C to hot climates simultaneously) |
| Religion | 65% Christian, 25% non-religious, 2% Jewish, 6% others | 70% Christian, 5% Muslim, 15% Atheist |
| Languages | No official language; English most used; ~300 spoken | Russian official; 35 other official languages |
| GDP (Nominal) | $26 trillion | $1.9 trillion |
| Per Capita Income | $65,000 | $13,000 |
| Number of Billionaires | 750+ | 117 |
| Pets | Dogs most popular | Dogs, cats, and even foxes |
| Historic Fact | Bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million | Sold Alaska to USA, considered a historic mistake |
| Technology Leadership | No.1 globally | Strong in space tech and arms |
| Space Achievements | Joint missions with Russia; advanced tech | First space mission, astronaut, spacewalk |
| Arms Export | Major arms producer | Largest arms exporter to 80+ countries |
| Active Military Personnel | 1.4 million | 850,000 |
| Reserve Military Personnel | 450,000 | 200,000 |
| Tanks | 8,850 | 15,400 (almost double USA) |
| Aircraft | 13,300 | 4,200 |
| Fighter Jets | 1,914 | 773 |
| Attack Helicopters | 983 | 537 |
| Submarines | 75 | 70 |
| Aircraft Carriers | 11 | 1 |
| Defense Budget | $800 billion | $70 billion (may be understated) |
| Nuclear Weapons | 5,500 | 6,300 |
| Popular Foods | Pizza, burgers, hot dogs, cheesecake, fast food | Blini, Syrniki, Kasha, Pelmeni, Solyanka (healthy) |
| Obesity Issue | High (due to fast food culture) | Low (due to healthier traditional food) |
| Top Tourist Cities | New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Las Vegas | Moscow (Red Square, Kremlin, Bolshoi Theatre) |
| Public Airports | 5,200 (highest in the world) | 330 |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) | Russian Ruble (1 USD ≈ 93 Rubles) |
Russia’s area is over 17 million square kilometers, making it the largest country in the world. On the other hand, the U.S. has an area of about 8.3 million square kilometers. In terms of population, the U.S. is far ahead of Russia. The U.S. has a population of around 335 million, while Russia has about 145 million people. The population density of the U.S. is around 37 people per square kilometer, while in Russia, it’s only 8.5 people per square kilometer.
Due to its vast area, Russia experiences great diversity in weather and lifestyle. One part may experience heat while another may see temperatures drop to -50°C. Russia has 83 provinces, some of which are densely populated, while in others, people prefer not to live.
Historically, the relationship between the U.S. and Russia is over 200 years old. In 1780, the U.S. sent its first representative to Russia, and in 1807, Russia appointed an ambassador to the U.S. Both countries fought together during World War I and World War II. However, in 1947, with the beginning of the Cold War, they became arch-rivals. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia became an independent country, and the U.S. emerged as a superpower.
Regarding religion and language, 65% of Americans are Christians, and 25% do not follow any religion. In Russia, 70% of the population is Christian, 5% Muslim, and about 15% are atheists. The U.S. has no official language, but most people speak English. Russia’s official language is Russian, and 35 other languages have official recognition.
Economically, the U.S. has the largest economy in the world, with a GDP of over $26 trillion. Russia’s GDP is about $1.9 trillion. The per capita income in the U.S. is $65,000, while in Russia, it is only $13,000. The U.S. has over 750 billionaires, whereas Russia has 117.
People in both countries love keeping pets. In the U.S., dogs are the most popular, while in Russia, people keep dogs, cats, and even foxes. At one time, Russia sold Alaska to the U.S. for just $7.2 million, which is now considered a historic mistake.
Both countries have made significant achievements in technology and space. Russia sent the first space mission and the first astronaut. Russia is the largest arms exporter in the world. The U.S. is number one in technology, and both countries have collaborated in space exploration.
In terms of military power, the U.S. has 1.4 million active soldiers and 450,000 reserves. Russia has 850,000 active soldiers and 200,000 reserves. Russia has more tanks than the U.S., but the U.S. dominates in air force strength, with 13,300 aircraft compared to Russia’s 4,200.
Russia has more nuclear weapons than the U.S. Russia possesses 6,300 nuclear warheads, while the U.S. has 5,500. These weapons are so dangerous that they could potentially end human civilization. The U.S. has a defense budget of $800 billion, while Russia’s is about $70 billion.
Regarding food, Russia’s traditional dishes like Blini, Syrniki, Kasha, Pelmeni, and Solyanka are considered healthy. Americans prefer fast food like pizza, burgers, hot dogs, and cheesecake. Due to this, obesity is a growing problem in the U.S., as people eat out more often.
Both countries are great tourist destinations. In the U.S., cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., are very popular. Moscow, the capital of Russia, attracts millions of tourists every year. Famous places include the Kremlin, Red Square, and the Bolshoi Theatre. The U.S. has 5,200 public airports—the most in the world—while Russia has 330.
In conclusion, both the U.S. and Russia are powerful, but their strengths vary across different areas. In terms of lifestyle, technology, GDP, and living standards, the U.S. leads, while Russia stands strong in terms of tanks and nuclear weapons.
