| Russia | USA | China | |
| Population (M) | 142 | 337 | 1,410 |
| Land Area (M sq km) | 16.4 | 9.15 | 9.33 |
| Density (per sq km) | 8.66 | 36.8 | 151 |
| GDP (T) | 4.08 | 21.2 | 824.8 |
| GDP Growth | 4.75% | 5.95% | 8.11% |
| GDP per capita | $28,000 | $63,700 | $17,600 |
| GDP per capita – world rank | 74 | 15 | 99 |
| Inflation | 6.7% | 4.7% | 1.0% |
References:
[1] CIA World Factbook
Population is a 2022 estimate
All GDP numbers are a 2021 estimate
I think the per capita GDP is the most important/interesting comparison. Perhaps I’m biased because it clearly shows an American strength? Given that China has four times the population, if they could double their per capita GDP, it would make them a juggernaut.
The Russian small population compared to the vast empty spaces in the east is well known. It’s interesting to me that they are so threatened by their western neighbors. It will be interesting how the outcome of their invasion of Ukraine will resolve. I feel, like all wars, it will leave them weakened.
The GDP Growth numbers and Inflation numbers are hard to gauge. They are influenced by coming out of covid years. They vary wildly from previous years, and the timing and the actions of different countries effect these.
I certainly was left to wonder who are the top 14 in GDP per capita rankings. My assumption was smaller, richer (likely European cities). That accounts for about half of them. In order: Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Singapore (service-based Southeast Asian economy) , Ireland, Qatar (high-income, oil-and-gas-based Middle Eastern economy), Isle of Man (tax haven), Bermuda (offshore banking), Switzerland, Falkland Islands (British South American territorial economy), United Arab Emirates (historically oil-driven Middle Eastern economy), Cayman Islands (offshore banking), Norway, Macau (Chinese special administrative region economy; known for apparel exports and gambling tourism).
Interestingly, several of the countries don’t have 2021 estimates. I assume the CIA considers them so small and stable/insignificant to not need yearly assessment. They are Liechtenstein, Monaco, Isle of Man, and Falkland Islands.
From there the comments went on to The Wall™– “there needs to be something done about our border, he got right to the point”, “we need to just not let any more people in. Their values are different than ours. Are we allowed over there without a visa?”, and “he says what we’re all thinking”.
The telltale numbers: The “free” 