Updated Jan 26, 2026
KEY STATS
1.2M
Population
49 Mbps
Internet
BGW (75km)
Airport
OVERVIEW
Karbala reverberates with Shia devotion during Arbaeen pilgrimages, its golden-domed shrines drawing millions under a hot desert climate softened by Euphrates winds. Digital nomads seeking spiritual depth find guesthouses with Wi-Fi near Baghdad's airport, balancing reflection with remote tasks. Local kebabs sustain marathon work sprints.
QUICK FACTS
Country
Iraq
Region
Western Asia
Population
1.2M
Currency
IQD
Language
Arabic
Airport
BGW
GPS
32.62, 44.02
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Tech
Internet at 49 Mbps — plan for offline work or find coworking spaces
Climate
Year-round average of 26C — near-ideal temperatures
A major city with a population of 1,218,732
INFRASTRUCTURE
7,321 total POIs
Above avg per capita
Average
Below avg
Food & Drink
Restaurants
378
Cafes
158
Bars
12
Fast Food
31
Shopping
Supermarkets
1,280
Convenience
75
Shopping Malls
64
Healthcare
Hospitals
80
Clinics
594
Pharmacies
83
Education
Schools
1,011
Universities
102
Libraries
12
Recreation
Parks
1,599
Playgrounds
22
Sports
34
Cinemas
1
Museums
7
Theatres
3
Transport
Bus Stops
21
Train Stations
1
Fuel Stations
30
Services
Banks
60
ATMs
14
Post Offices
5
Police
80
Fire Stations
2
Source: DropThe Database | dropthe.org
INTERNET SPEED
49 Mbps
Download
37 Mbps
Upload
76ms
Latency
6,589
Tests
2,059
Devices
2025-Q4
Last updated
CLIMATE
Best time to visit: Mar - Apr
13°
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: 26.1 C Range: 13.4 - 38.8 C Rain: 198 mm/year Sunshine: 3,746 h/year
CITY SCORES
65.2
Nomad Index
D
Livability
37.5
Culture
44.5
Overall
AIRPORT
BGW
Baghdad International Airport / New Al Muthana Air Base
75 km from center
~113 min drive
FUN FACTS
It is the capital of Karbala Governorate.
With an estimated population of 691,100 people in 2024, Karbala is the second largest city in central Iraq, after Baghdad.
After the fall of Baghdad in 1258, Karbala came under the control of Mongolian Empire led by Hulegu Khan.
The city continued to be under multiple successive empires.
Tens of millions of Shi'ite Muslims visit the site twice a year.
EXTERNAL LINKS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Karbala known for?
Karbala reverberates with Shia devotion during Arbaeen pilgrimages, its golden-domed shrines drawing millions under a hot desert climate softened by Euphrates winds. Digital nomads seeking spiritual depth find guesthouses with Wi-Fi near Baghdad's airport, balancing reflection with remote tasks. Local kebabs sustain marathon work sprints.
How fast is the internet in Karbala?
Karbala has an average download speed of 49 Mbps and upload speed of 37 Mbps, based on Ookla speed test data.
What is the weather like in Karbala?
Karbala has an average year-round temperature of approximately 26.1 degrees Celsius.
What airport serves Karbala?
Karbala is served by BGW (Baghdad International Airport / New Al Muthana Air Base), approximately 75 km from the city center.
What is the population of Karbala?
The population of Karbala is approximately 1.2M.
What infrastructure does Karbala have?
Karbala has 7,321 mapped points of interest, including 378 restaurants, 80 hospitals, 1,011 schools.
What country is Karbala in?
Karbala is located in Iraq.
