Najaf Governorate
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Najaf Governorate Arabic: النجف |
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Coordinates: | |
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Country | Iraq |
Capital | Najaf |
Area | |
- Total | 28,824 km² (11,129 sq mi) |
Population (2003) | |
- Total | 800,000 |
Main language(s) | Arabic |
Najaf province (Arabic: النجف, An-Najaf), is a province in the nation of Iraq. The province has an area of 28,824 square kilometers (11,129 sq mi). In 2003 it had an estimated population of 931,600 people. Prior to 1976 it was part of the Diwaniya Province, which also included present day Al Muthanna Governorate and Al-Qādisiyyah Governorate. On December 20, 2006, the Najaf Governorate was the third Governorate in Iraq to be handed over by the occupying Coalition forces to Iraqi control. [1] [2]
The capital is the city of Najaf. The other major city is Al Kufah. Both cities are holy to Shiite Muslims, who form the majority of the population.
[edit] Provincial Government
- Governor: Asaad Abu Gilel al-Taie [3]
- Deputy Governor: Abd al-Husayn Abtan [4]
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