Updated Jan 26, 2026
KEY STATS
1.3M
Population
181 km2
Area
55 Mbps
Internet
UTC+03:00
Timezone
BSR (12km)
Airport
OVERVIEW
Basrah's riverside marshes and Shatt al-Arab waterway evoke Mesopotamia's legacy, suiting nomads with emerging internet infrastructure amid a hot desert climate. Cultural depth from souks to seafood draws those seeking an offbeat Middle Eastern base.
QUICK FACTS
Country
Iraq
Region
Western Asia
Population
1.3M
Timezone
UTC+03:00
Currency
IQD
Language
Arabic
Airport
BSR
GPS
30.51, 47.78
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Tech
55 Mbps internet — adequate for most digital work
History
Founded around 638 — over 1,388 years of history
Connections
Basrah has 4 sister cities worldwide
INFRASTRUCTURE
4,195 total POIs 23.2 per km²
Above avg per capita
Average
Below avg
Food & Drink
Restaurants
446
Cafes
231
Bars
6
Fast Food
45
Shopping
Supermarkets
790
Convenience
132
Shopping Malls
57
Healthcare
Hospitals
100
Clinics
340
Pharmacies
93
Education
Schools
791
Universities
72
Libraries
9
Recreation
Parks
151
Playgrounds
38
Sports
45
Cinemas
1
Museums
2
Theatres
1
Transport
Bus Stops
12
Train Stations
1
Fuel Stations
60
Services
Banks
54
ATMs
26
Post Offices
13
Police
58
Fire Stations
11
Source: DropThe Database | dropthe.org
INTERNET SPEED
55 Mbps
Download
52 Mbps
Upload
49ms
Latency
24,847
Tests
6,654
Devices
2025-Q4
Last updated
CLIMATE
Best time to visit: Mar
16°
J
18°
F
22°
M
28°
A
34°
M
39°
J
41°
J
39°
A
34°
S
28°
O
22°
N
18°
D
18-28 C ideal
Warm/Cool
Extreme
Year avg: 28.3 C Range: 15.9 - 40.6 C Rain: 241 mm/year Sunshine: 3,735 h/year
CITY SCORES
83.9
Nomad Index
A
Livability
46.0
Culture
66.1
Overall
AIRPORT
BSR
Basra International Airport
12 km from center
Very close — ~18 min ride
FUN FACTS
It is the capital of the eponymous Basra Governorate, as well as the third largest city in Iraq overall, behind Baghdad and Mosul.
Built in 636 as a military camp, Basra played an important role as a regional hub of knowledge, trade and commerce during the Islamic Golden Age and is home to the first mosque built outside the Arabian Peninsula.
Historically, Basra is one of the ports from which the fictional Sinbad the Sailor embarked on his journeys.
It was incorporated into Mandatory Iraq, under the framework Mandate for Mesopotamia after 1921, which later became the independent Kingdom of Iraq in 1932.
As a result of the war, half of the city's population fled.
EXTERNAL LINKS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Basrah known for?
Basrah's riverside marshes and Shatt al-Arab waterway evoke Mesopotamia's legacy, suiting nomads with emerging internet infrastructure amid a hot desert climate. Cultural depth from souks to seafood draws those seeking an offbeat Middle Eastern base.
How fast is the internet in Basrah?
Basrah has an average download speed of 55 Mbps and upload speed of 52 Mbps, based on Ookla speed test data.
What is the weather like in Basrah?
Basrah has an average year-round temperature of approximately 28.3 degrees Celsius.
What airport serves Basrah?
Basrah is served by BSR (Basra International Airport), approximately 12 km from the city center.
What is the population of Basrah?
The population of Basrah is approximately 1.3M.
What infrastructure does Basrah have?
Basrah has 4,195 mapped points of interest, including 446 restaurants, 100 hospitals, 791 schools.
What country is Basrah in?
Basrah is located in Iraq.
