Wasit Governorate

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Wasit Governorate
واسط
Governorate
Location of Wasit Governorate
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Country  Iraq
Capital Kut
Area
 • Total 17,153 km2 (6,623 sq mi)
Population (2013)
 • Total 1,450,000

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

History

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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.

Provincial Government

  • Governor: Mahmoud Talal[1]
  • Deputy Governor: Sabeeh Lafta[2]

Districts

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.[3]

As of 2007, the unemployment rate is 10% and the poverty rate is 35%.[4]

External links

References

Template:Luristan

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