Two giants sit on opposite sides of the globe, yet their scale sparks debate. How big is Russia compared to the US? Russia spans about 17.1 million square kilometers, the world’s largest. The United States covers roughly 9.83 million square kilometers, ranking 3rd–4th depending on the source. This sets the tone for any Russia vs US area comparison.
Land tells an even clearer story. Russia stretches about 16.38–17 million square kilometers of land. The U.S. holds near 9.16 million. That makes Russia close to 1.8 times the U.S. by land—almost twice as large. It’s a crisp answer to Russia vs US size, but the lived reality goes beyond raw numbers.
Population patterns flip the script. Russia averages about 8.6–8.7 people per square kilometer. The U.S. runs around 29.8–32.4, three to four times denser. Coastlines add more contrast: Russia’s reaches about 37,653 kilometers; the U.S. spans about 19,924. Both claim a 12–nautical mile territorial sea and a 200–nautical mile exclusive economic zone, yet their footprints sit in different latitudes—Russia across Europe and North Asia near 60°N, 100°E; the U.S. centered on North America near 38°N, 97°W.
Maps can fool the eye. Common projections stretch high latitudes, making Russia look even larger than it is. This guide keeps the view grounded, balancing what the map shows with what the data proves in a clear Russia vs US area comparison.
Overview of Russia vs United States Geographical Size and Map Perception
Size can be tricky on a flat map. The story of Russia vs the United States starts with numbers. But maps can stretch the poles, changing what we see. A quick check keeps things clear.
Russia vs United States Geographical Size at a Glance
Russia is the largest country in the world by total and land area. The United States usually ranks third or fourth in total area. It ranks third in land area.
Russia spans about 17.1 million sq km. The U.S. covers about 9.83 million sq km. This makes Russia much larger than the U.S. by totals.
Looking at land-only, Russia has about 16.38–17 million sq km. The U.S. has about 9.16 million sq km. This shows Russia is even larger in practical terms.
| Measure | Russia | United States | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Area (sq km) | ~17.1 million | ~9.83 million | Russia leads by a large margin |
| Land Area (sq km) | ~16.38–17 million | ~9.16 million | Gap widens on land-only view |
| Global Rank (Land) | 1st | 3rd | Confirms top positions |
| Implications | Lower average density | Denser networks | Shapes transport and resources |
How Map Projections Distort the Russia vs US Area Comparison
Mercator maps make high latitudes look bigger. This makes Russia and Greenland appear larger than they are. Alaska stretches across the page, adding to the confusion.
Africa is actually 1.8 times larger than Russia. But on Mercator maps, it looks smaller. Greenland seems close to Australia, but Australia is 3.6 times larger by land. These examples show how visual scale can be misleading.
Total Area vs. Land Area: Why the Russia US Land Area Contrast Matters
Total area counts inland waters. This is why Canada can appear larger than the U.S. in totals. But the U.S. has slightly more land area. This clarifies the debate between Russia and the United States.
When we look at land-only, Russia’s lead grows to about 1.8 to 1. Water area narrows the gap in total figures. But the russia vs united states geographical size debate is better reflected by land area. It shows how people live, build routes, and tap resources across vast areas.
How Big Is Russia Compared To The US
Maps can be misleading, so looking at numbers is the best way to see how big Russia is compared to the US. The size ratio between Russia and the US becomes clear when we compare their land areas and population density.
Russia vs US Size Ratio: Approximately 1.8 Times by Land Area
Russia is about 1.8 times larger than the US by land. This ratio holds when comparing Russia’s vast Siberian areas to the US, including Alaska. It’s a straightforward way to understand the size difference without getting confused by map projections.
Total Area Figures: Russia ~17.1 Million Sq Km vs US ~9.83 Million Sq Km
The total area shows a wide gap. Russia covers about 17.1 million square kilometers, while the US has around 9.83 million. This comparison highlights Russia’s larger size, making it a clear leader in size.
| Measure | Russia | United States | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Area (Sq Km) | ~17.1 million | ~9.83 million | Russia’s footprint is far larger overall |
| Global Rank by Area | 1st | 3rd | Both are top-tier in size rankings |
| Contiguous vs. Non-Contiguous Impact | Spans Eastern Europe to the Pacific | Alaska boosts Northern reach | High latitudes expand total area |
Land Area Figures: Russia ~16.38–17 Million Sq Km vs US ~9.16 Million Sq Km
The land area ratio of about 1.8 shows Russia’s size advantage. Russia has roughly 16.38–17 million square kilometers of land. The U.S. has about 9.16 million. Russia’s land area is almost double, with vast distances between cities.
| Measure | Russia Land | US Land | Per 1,000 People |
|---|---|---|---|
| Land Area (Sq Km) | ~16.38–17 million | ~9.16 million | — |
| Land per 1,000 People (Approx.) | ~116–121 Sq Km | ~30 Sq Km | Russia has ~4x more land per capita |
Population Density Contrast: ~9 People/Sq Km in Russia vs ~30–32 in the US
The density difference tells another story. Russia averages about 8.6–9 people per square kilometer. The U.S. is closer to 30–32. This means Russia has more space per person, due to its cold climate and long travel times.
- Russia: sparse settlement across Siberia lowers the average
- United States: denser belts in temperate zones raise the figure
- Result: russia us size ratio in land aligns with lower Russian density
These perspectives—ratio, totals, land, and people—offer a clear view of Russia’s size compared to the US. They help us understand without getting lost in map distortions.
Land, Water, and Coastlines: Russia US Land Size Difference in Detail
When comparing Russia and the US, we see two huge countries with different shapes. The size difference is big, but water and coastlines make a big difference too. They affect trade, fishing, and access to the poles.
Land Mass Difference: Russia Ranked 1st Globally; US Ranked 3rd–4th
Russia is the largest country in the world, covering from the Baltic to the Pacific. The US is usually third, just behind Russia and Canada. Russia spans both Europe and Asia, while the US connects the Atlantic and Pacific with Alaska.
Russia has more land, with longer routes and a wider range of climates. The US has large plains and Alaska’s rugged north.
Water Area Comparison: Russia ~720,500 Sq Km vs US ~664,709 Sq Km
Water makes the difference smaller. Russia has about 720,500 square kilometers of water; the US has about 664,709. This is why Canada is bigger than the US, thanks to its lakes and bays.
Water shapes shipping lanes, river access, and fisheries. It also changes the area comparison when counting total area, not just land.
Coastline Length: Russia ~37,653 Km vs US ~19,924 Km
Coastlines show how far a country reaches. Russia’s coastline is about 37,653 kilometers, with lots of Arctic and Pacific. The US has a coastline of about 19,924 kilometers, across the Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Arctic Alaska.
This affects energy routes and container traffic. It shows how important coastlines are for trade and access.
Russia US Size Ratio Visualized Through Coastline-to-Area Contrasts
Coast-to-area ratio is like a rim on a wheel. Russia has a big land core and a long Arctic rim. The US has a rim across two oceans, with year-round access and diverse gateways.
Border length also matters. Russia has about 20,241.5 kilometers of land borders; the US has about 12,034. Maritime rules are the same for both, affecting coastlines and sea lanes.
Climate, Terrain, and Natural Resources Across Vast Areas
Scale affects weather, land, and what’s beneath it. Comparing Russia and the US shows real differences: long winters in Siberia, hot summers in the Midwest. This mirrors the size gap between them.
Climate Breadth: Subarctic to Tundra in Russia; Temperate to Tropical and Arctic in the US
Russia has a wide range of climates, from southern steppe to Arctic tundra. Winters in Siberia are very cold, while summers near the Arctic are cool.
The US has temperate zones but also tropical and Arctic areas. Hawaii and Florida are warm, while Alaska is cold. The interior varies from dry Great Plains to arid Great Basin.
Russia gets less rain, about 460–691 mm, than the US, which gets 715–1,201 mm. This difference reflects their size and latitude.
Terrain Contrasts: Siberian Plains vs US Mountains, Plains, and Volcanic Regions
West of the Urals, Russia has broad plains. Then, it has the huge Siberian taiga and tundra. Southern borders have uplands, and Mount Elbrus, Europe’s highest peak, is there.
The US has a vast central plain between the Appalachians and Rockies. It also has rugged Alaska and volcanic Hawaii. Denali, North America’s highest peak, is in Alaska.
Resource Endowment: Oil, Gas, Timber in Russia; Diverse Minerals and Energy in the US
Both countries are rich in resources. Russia has oil, natural gas, coal, and strategic minerals. It also has rare earth elements and vast timber reserves.
The US has coal, petroleum, natural gas, and copper. It also has gold, uranium, rare earth elements, and industrial minerals. This diversity is spread across many states.
Environmental and Natural Hazards Shaped by Size and Latitude
Russia faces challenges like permafrost, which makes building hard. It also has volcanic and seismic zones in the Far East. Long summers bring floods and forest fires.
The US deals with tsunamis and volcanoes in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. It also faces hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and floods. Northern Alaska has permafrost risks too.
| Aspect | Russia | United States | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate Range | Steppe, humid continental, subarctic, Arctic tundra | Temperate, tropical (Hawaii, Florida), Arctic (Alaska), semiarid and arid interiors | Broad bands track the russia vs united states geographical size spread and latitude span |
| Avg. Precipitation | ~460–691 mm | ~715–1,201 mm | Moisture gap shapes farming limits and fire seasons |
| Signature Peaks | Mount Elbrus, 5,633 m | Denali, 6,194 m | High relief signals strong regional climate and terrain contrasts |
| Dominant Terrain | Plains west of Urals; Siberian taiga and tundra; southern uplands | Central plains; Rockies and Appalachians; volcanic Hawaii; rugged Alaska | Topography channels winds, storms, and settlement |
| Key Resources | Oil, natural gas, coal, timber, strategic minerals, rare earth elements | Coal, petroleum, natural gas, copper, gold, uranium, rare earth elements | Resource depth links to russia vs us size and national energy mixes |
| Natural Hazards | Permafrost, floods, forest fires, seismic and volcanic zones in the Far East | Hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, floods, tsunamis, volcanoes, permafrost in Alaska | Risk patterns line up with russia us comparison in size, coasts, and latitude |
Agriculture, Land Use, and Human Footprint
Farms, forests, and roads show how people shape vast spaces. In the russia us land area contrast, scale meets climate and policy, creating distinct patterns on the ground. The russia us comparison in size helps explain why crops cluster, why forests stretch, and why highways look denser on one map than the other.
Seen through the russia us land size difference, rain belts, soils, and settlement history steer how much land gets plowed, irrigated, or set aside. Numbers below show how those choices stack up across two giants.
Arable Land Share: Russia ~7–7.5% vs US ~16–17.5%
Arable land marks the biggest split. Russia’s share sits near 7.1–7.5% of its land, while the United States reaches about 16.3–17.5%, roughly double. That gap aligns with broader temperate zones and steadier rainfall in the U.S., a key piece of the russia us land area contrast.
Across all agricultural land, the span widens: Russia is around 13.16%, while the U.S. nears 44.88%. This russia us comparison in size and climate sets different farm footprints despite similar rural pressure on cropland.
Forest Cover and Protected Areas: Russia’s Larger Forest Area vs US Higher Protection Share
Russia leads by forest area, close to 8.09 million sq km—about 49% of its land. The U.S. holds roughly 3.03 million sq km, near 33%. Yet protected shares tilt the other way: about 13.82% of U.S. land is protected, compared with roughly 11.33% in Russia.
When land and sea protections are combined, the U.S. stands near 15.14%, while Russia is around 11.35%. These patterns reflect the russia us land size difference in policy and coastline management.
Irrigated Land and Water Withdrawal: US Far Higher Totals Than Russia
Irrigation highlights climate and demand. The U.S. fields about 230,000 sq km of irrigated land versus Russia’s ~43,460 sq km—around five times more. Freshwater withdrawals track that spread: roughly 477–478.4 cu km per year in the U.S., compared with about 66.2–76.7 in Russia.
On a per-person basis, U.S. withdrawals of about 1,583–1,600 m³ per year run near three times Russia’s ~455–535 m³. In the russia us comparison in size, denser farm belts and larger irrigated plains push the totals higher.
Road Density and Development Patterns in Large Territories
Roads trace where people live and ship goods. The U.S. has about 66.57 km of road per 100 sq km of land—around 11 times Russia’s ~6 km. That network mirrors tighter settlement and industry, a clear marker in the russia us land area contrast.
Rural population per square kilometer of arable land is close—about 31.7 in Russia and 32.6 in the U.S.—while low-lying zones under 5 meters cover ~1.91% of Russia and ~1.72% of the U.S. Population shares in those low areas are ~2.88% in Russia and ~4.1% in the U.S., another facet of the russia us land size difference.
| Indicator | Russia | United States | What It Signals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arable Land Share | ~7.1–7.5% | ~16.3–17.5% | U.S. cropland share is about twice Russia’s |
| Agricultural Land (Total) | ~13.16% | ~44.88% | Broader U.S. agricultural footprint |
| Forest Area | ~8.09 million sq km (~49%) | ~3.03 million sq km (~33%) | Russia leads in forest extent |
| Protected Land Share | ~11.33% | ~13.82% | Higher U.S. terrestrial protection ratio |
| Protected Land + Marine | ~11.35% | ~15.14% | U.S. advantage including marine areas |
| Irrigated Land | ~43,460 sq km | ~230,000 sq km | U.S. irrigated area about 5× Russia’s |
| Freshwater Withdrawals (Total) | ~66.2–76.7 cu km/yr | ~477–478.4 cu km/yr | Much higher U.S. demand |
| Freshwater Withdrawals (Per Capita) | ~455–535 m³/person/yr | ~1,583–1,600 m³/person/yr | U.S. per-person use roughly 3× |
| Road Density | ~6 km per 100 sq km | ~66.57 km per 100 sq km | Denser U.S. infrastructure grid |
| Rural Pop Per Sq Km of Arable Land | ~31.7 | ~32.6 | Similar rural pressure on cropland |
| Low-Lying Land (<5 m) | ~1.91% of land; ~2.88% of population | ~1.72% of land; ~4.1% of population | U.S. has more people living in low areas |
Conclusion
Russia is about 1.8 times the size of the United States in land area. This is true whether you look at total area or just land. This answers the question of how big Russia is compared to the US.
But, maps can be misleading. Russia looks even bigger because of its high-latitude position. This is similar to how Africa and Greenland appear on Mercator-style maps.
When you separate land area from total area, things become clearer. This is like comparing the United States and Canada, where inland waters affect the totals.
On the ground, size means different things. Russia has long coastlines and dense forests but cold climates limit farming. The US, though smaller, has more arable land and intensive development.
The size difference between Russia and the US is just the beginning. It’s influenced by latitude, climate, and infrastructure. This makes the comparison more than just numbers. It’s a story of two nations shaped by their geography and land use.
FAQ
How Big Is Russia Compared To The US?
Russia is about 1.8 times the size of the United States. It spans roughly 16.38–17 million square kilometers. The U.S. covers about 9.16 million square kilometers. In total area, Russia is much larger.
What’s The Russia vs US Size Ratio In Simple Terms?
By land, Russia is about 1.8 times larger than the U.S. Think of it as nearly twice as big. Russia has more land per person, which means it’s less crowded.
How Does Population Density Compare Between Russia And The United States?
Russia has about 8.6–8.7 people per square kilometer. The U.S. has roughly 29.8–32.4 people per square kilometer. This makes the U.S. about three to four times denser.
What’s The Water Area Difference In A Russia vs US Area Comparison?
Russia has about 720,500 square kilometers of water area. The U.S. has roughly 664,709 square kilometers. Water narrows the gap, but Russia is much larger overall.
How Do Climate Zones Differ Across These Large Countries?
Russia ranges from southern steppe to Arctic tundra. The U.S. spans temperate zones, tropical regions, and Arctic Alaska. Russia is colder and drier on average.
What Terrain Contrasts Stand Out Between Russia And The US?
Russia has vast plains and the Siberian taiga and tundra. The U.S. has a broad central plain, the Rockies, Appalachians, rugged Alaska, and volcanic Hawaii. The U.S. has more varied elevations.
How Does Arable Land Compare In The Russia US Comparison In Size?
Russia has about 7–7.5% arable land. The U.S. has around 16–17.5%. The U.S. has more intensive farming and denser rural infrastructure due to higher precipitation.
What About Russia vs US Forest Cover And Protected Areas?
Russia has the larger forest area—about 8.09 million sq km. The U.S. has about 3.03 million sq km of forest. But the U.S. has a higher share of land and marine areas under protection.
How Do Irrigated Land And Water Withdrawals Compare?
The U.S. irrigates roughly 230,000 sq km, much more than Russia’s ~43,460 sq km. The U.S. withdraws several times more freshwater each year. This shows more intensive agriculture and industry in the U.S.
