Wasit Governorate

Wasit Governorate (Arabic: واسط‎, romanized: Wāsit) is a governorate in eastern Iraq, south-east of Baghdad and bordering Iran. Prior to 1976 it was known as Kut Province. Major cities include the capital Al Kut, Al-Hai and Al-Suwaira. The governorate contains the Mesopotamian Marshes of Shuwayja, Al-Attariyah, and Hor Aldelmj. Its name comes from the Arabic word meaning "middle," as the former city of Wasit lay along the Tigris about midway between Baghdad and Basra. Wasit city was abandoned after the Tigris shifted course.

Wasit Governorate

محافظة واسط
Governorate
Seal
Coordinates: 32°40′N 45°45′E
Country Iraq
CapitalKut
Area
 • Total17,153 km2 (6,623 sq mi)
Population
 (2015)[1]
 • Total1,149,059
HDI (2017)0.656[2]
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History
Further information: History of Sumer

The ancient Sumerian city-state of Der is located near the town of Badra.

The governorate experienced heavy fighting in the Iran–Iraq War, specifically the Battle of the Marshes.

During the Iraq spring fighting of 2004, the Mahdi Army briefly took control of the capital Kut, from April 6 to April 16, before being defeated.

Demographics

The population is approximately 1,450,000. The majority are Shia Arabs. The marshes have traditionally been home to many Marsh Arabs. There are also Feyli Kurds in the eastern towns of Badra and Jassan. A small Lurish community exists east of Kut.[1]

As of 2007, the unemployment rate is 10% and the poverty rate is 35%.[3]

Provincial government
  • Governor: Malik Khalaf[4]
  • Deputy Governor: Ahmed Abdu Salam[5]

Districts
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References
  1. "Wassit Governorate Profile" (PDF). NGO Coordination Committee for Iraq (NCCI). December 2015. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
  2. "Sub-national HDI - Area Database - Global Data Lab". hdi.globaldatalab.org. Retrieved 2018-09-13.
  3. http://www.iau-iraq.org/gp/wassit/default.asp%5B%5D
  4. Mohammed, Layla (1 February 2015). "New governor of Wasit assumes responsibility". Iraqi News. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
  5. Bullinger, James (November 2006). "Al-Aziziyah Primary Healthcare Clinic Opening Holds Hope for Iraqi People" (PDF). Southern Views. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 October 2007. Retrieved 23 August 2019.
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