Updated Feb 18, 2026
KEY STATS
1.6M
Population
12,000 km2
Area
74 Mbps
Internet
385m
Elevation
EBL (8km)
Airport
OVERVIEW
Ancient citadels crown Erbil's skyline in Iraqi Kurdistan, where modern malls and family eateries serving lamb kebabs create a surprisingly stable oasis amid Western Asia's drama. Digital nomads connect via improving fiber optics in safe cafes around Minareh Park, drawn by low costs and cultural depth. Evenings bring bustling souks and a resilient hospitality that welcomes curious newcomers.
QUICK FACTS
Country
Iraq
Region
Western Asia
Population
1.6M
Elevation
385 m
Currency
IQD
Language
Arabic
Airport
EBL
GPS
36.19, 44.01
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Food
568 restaurants mapped in Erbil
Tech
74 Mbps internet — adequate for most digital work
Travel
EBL airport just 8 km from the city center
Climate
Year-round average of 22C — near-ideal temperatures
INFRASTRUCTURE
8,373 total POIs 0.7 per km²
Above avg per capita
Average
Below avg
Food & Drink
Restaurants
568
Cafes
251
Bars
41
Fast Food
145
Shopping
Supermarkets
766
Convenience
230
Shopping Malls
68
Healthcare
Hospitals
166
Clinics
388
Pharmacies
386
Education
Schools
725
Universities
108
Libraries
25
Recreation
Parks
1,462
Playgrounds
45
Sports
148
Cinemas
6
Museums
15
Theatres
52
Transport
Bus Stops
48
Train Stations
226
Fuel Stations
244
Services
Banks
94
ATMs
102
Post Offices
21
Police
79
Fire Stations
18
Source: DropThe Database | dropthe.org
INTERNET SPEED
74 Mbps
Download
55 Mbps
Upload
8ms
Latency
19,507
Tests
7,621
Devices
2025-Q4
Last updated
CLIMATE
Best time to visit: Apr
9°
J
11°
F
16°
M
22°
A
29°
M
33°
J
35°
J
33°
A
29°
S
22°
O
16°
N
11°
D
18-28 C ideal
Warm/Cool
Extreme
Year avg: 22.1 C Range: 9 - 35.2 C Rain: 549 mm/year Sunshine: 3,649 h/year
CITY SCORES
90.8
Nomad Index
A
Livability
37.5
Culture
62.8
Overall
AIRPORT
EBL
Erbil International Airport
8 km from center
Very close — ~12 min ride
FUN FACTS
Erbil (Arabic: أربيل, romanized: ʾarbīl; Syriac: ܐܲܪܒܹܝܠ, romanized: Arbel), also called Hawler (Kurdish: هەولێر, romanized: Hewlêr), is the capital and most populated city in the Kurdistan Region (KRI) of Iraq and the capital of the Erbil Governorate.
Erbil is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
At the heart of the city is the ancient Citadel of Erbil and Mudhafaria Minaret.
The earliest historical reference to the region dates to the Third Dynasty of Ur of Sumer, when King Shulgi mentioned the city of Urbilum.
In ancient times the patron deity of the city was Ishtar of Arbela.
EXTERNAL LINKS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Erbil known for?
Ancient citadels crown Erbil's skyline in Iraqi Kurdistan, where modern malls and family eateries serving lamb kebabs create a surprisingly stable oasis amid Western Asia's drama. Digital nomads connect via improving fiber optics in safe cafes around Minareh Park, drawn by low costs and cultural depth. Evenings bring bustling souks and a resilient hospitality that welcomes curious newcomers.
How fast is the internet in Erbil?
Erbil has an average download speed of 74 Mbps and upload speed of 55 Mbps, based on Ookla speed test data.
What is the weather like in Erbil?
Erbil has an average year-round temperature of approximately 22.1 degrees Celsius.
What airport serves Erbil?
Erbil is served by EBL (Erbil International Airport), approximately 8 km from the city center.
What is the population of Erbil?
The population of Erbil is approximately 1.6M.
What infrastructure does Erbil have?
Erbil has 8,373 mapped points of interest, including 568 restaurants, 166 hospitals, 725 schools.
What country is Erbil in?
Erbil is located in Iraq.
