Erbil, Iraq
Major city · Population 1.6M
Erbil is the 5th largest city in Iraq with a population of approximately 1,612,700 people as of 2026. This makes it the 278th largest city in the world, accounting for 3.50% of Iraq's total population of 46.1M. Erbil is classified as a major city and operates in the Asia/Baghdad timezone.
Population
1,612,700
Global Rank
#278
Country Rank
#5
% of Iraq
3.50%
Erbil on the Map
Iraq at a Glance
Country Population
46,118,793
Capital
Baghdad
Region
Western Asia
Major Cities
40
GDP per Capita
$6,074
Life Expectancy
72.3 years
Urban Population
69.9%
Growth Rate
0.02%
Other Major Cities in Iraq
Nearest Major Cities
Closest cities to Erbil with over 100,000 people
| City | Population | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Soran | 125,000 | 70 km |
| Mosul | 1,683,000 | 81 km |
| Al Mawşil al Jadīdah | 2,065,597 | 83 km |
| Kirkuk | 1,031,000 | 87 km |
| Ash Sharqāt | 160,000 | 103 km |
| Sīnah | 128,776 | 111 km |
| Dihok | 340,900 | 118 km |
| Sulaymaniyah | 878,146 | 146 km |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Erbil?
The population of Erbil, Iraq is approximately 1,612,700 people, making it the 278th largest city in the world and the 5th largest in Iraq.
Is Erbil the capital of Iraq?
No, the capital of Iraq is Baghdad. Erbil is the 5th largest city in the country.
What timezone is Erbil in?
Erbil is in the Asia/Baghdad timezone.