Karbala, Iraq
Major city · Population 1.2M
Karbala is the 7th largest city in Iraq with a population of approximately 1,218,732 people as of 2026. This makes it the 435th largest city in the world, accounting for 2.65% of Iraq's total population of 46.0M. Karbala is classified as a major city and operates in the Asia/Baghdad timezone.
Population
1,218,732
Global Rank
#435
Country Rank
#7
% of Iraq
2.65%
Karbala on the Map
Iraq at a Glance
Country Population
46,042,015
Capital
Baghdad
Region
Western Asia
Major Cities
51
GDP per Capita
$6,074
Life Expectancy
72.4 years
Urban Population
69.9%
Growth Rate
0.02%
Other Major Cities in Iraq
Nearest Major Cities
Closest cities to Karbala with over 100,000 people
| City | Population | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Al Hindīyah | 139,578 | 20 km |
| Al-Musayab | 101,873 | 31 km |
| Al Hillah | 455,700 | 41 km |
| Nāḩiyat al Iskandarīyah | 100,600 | 43 km |
| Al Maḩmūdīyah | 350,000 | 59 km |
| Najaf | 482,576 | 72 km |
| Kufa | 110,000 | 74 km |
| Abū Ghurayb | 900,000 | 78 km |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Karbala?
The population of Karbala, Iraq is approximately 1,218,732 people, making it the 435th largest city in the world and the 7th largest in Iraq.
Is Karbala the capital of Iraq?
No, the capital of Iraq is Baghdad. Karbala is the 7th largest city in the country.
What timezone is Karbala in?
Karbala is in the Asia/Baghdad timezone.