Updated Jan 26, 2026
KEY STATS
7.2M
Population
673 km2
Area
52 Mbps
Internet
UTC+03:00
Timezone
BGW (18km)
Airport
OVERVIEW
Baghdad is the capital and largest city in Iraq. It is located on the banks of the Tigris in central Iraq. The city has an estimated population of 8 million. It ranks among the most populous and largest cities in the Middle East and the Arab world and constitutes 22% of the country's population. Baghdad is a primary financial and commercial cent...
QUICK FACTS
Country
Iraq
Region
Western Asia
Population
7.2M
Timezone
UTC+03:00
Currency
IQD
Language
Arabic
Status
Capital City
Airport
BGW
GPS
33.34, 44.40
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Food
1,251 restaurants mapped in Baghdad
Tech
52 Mbps internet — adequate for most digital work
Economy
66% cheaper than New York City based on overall cost of living index
History
Founded around 762 — over 1,264 years of history
Connections
Baghdad has 13 sister cities worldwide
INFRASTRUCTURE
13,319 total POIs 19.8 per km²
Above avg per capita
Average
Below avg
Food & Drink
Restaurants
1,251
Cafes
424
Bars
66
Fast Food
1,036
Shopping
Supermarkets
926
Convenience
1,566
Shopping Malls
280
Healthcare
Hospitals
342
Clinics
1,096
Pharmacies
729
Education
Schools
2,130
Universities
209
Libraries
117
Recreation
Parks
326
Playgrounds
58
Sports
250
Cinemas
24
Museums
27
Theatres
21
Transport
Bus Stops
37
Train Stations
7
Fuel Stations
136
Services
Banks
221
ATMs
154
Post Offices
45
Police
234
Fire Stations
33
Source: DropThe Database | dropthe.org
INTERNET SPEED
52 Mbps
Download
55 Mbps
Upload
13ms
Latency
152,015
Tests
41,544
Devices
2025-Q4
Last updated
CLIMATE
Best time to visit: Mar - Apr
14°
J
15°
F
20°
M
26°
A
33°
M
37°
J
39°
J
37°
A
33°
S
26°
O
20°
N
15°
D
18-28 C ideal
Warm/Cool
Extreme
Year avg: 26.3 C Range: 13.7 - 38.8 C Rain: 252 mm/year Sunshine: 3,734 h/year
CITY SCORES
80.1
Nomad Index
A
Livability
53.2
Culture
79.9
Overall
COST OF LIVING
DIndex relative to New York City (NYC = 100)
33.8
Overall
66% cheaper than NYC
10.9
Rent
89% cheaper than NYC
29.7
Groceries
70% cheaper than NYC
31.4
Restaurants
69% cheaper than NYC
AIRPORT
BGW
Baghdad International Airport / New Al Muthana Air Base
18 km from center
~32 min ride
FUN FACTS
Baghdad is the capital and largest city in Iraq.
The city has an estimated population of 8 million.
It ranks among the most populous and largest cities in the Middle East and the Arab world and constitutes 22% of the country's population.
Founded in 762 AD by Al-Mansur, Baghdad was the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate and became its most notable development project.
For much of the Abbasid era, during the Islamic Golden Age, Baghdad was one of the largest cities in the world and rivaled Chang'an, as the population peaked at more than one million.
EXTERNAL LINKS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Baghdad known for?
Baghdad is a city in Iraq. It offers a range of cultural, historical, and natural attractions.
How fast is the internet in Baghdad?
Baghdad has an average download speed of 52 Mbps and upload speed of 55 Mbps, based on Ookla speed test data.
What is the weather like in Baghdad?
Baghdad has an average year-round temperature of approximately 26.3 degrees Celsius.
What airport serves Baghdad?
Baghdad is served by BGW (Baghdad International Airport / New Al Muthana Air Base), approximately 18 km from the city center.
What is the population of Baghdad?
The population of Baghdad is approximately 7.2M.
What infrastructure does Baghdad have?
Baghdad has 13,319 mapped points of interest, including 1,251 restaurants, 342 hospitals, 2,130 schools.
What country is Baghdad in?
Baghdad is located in Iraq.
