Wasit (Arabic: واسط) is one of the governorates of Iraq. It is in the east of the country. Its name comes from the Arabic word meaning "middle," as it lies along the Tigris about midway between Baghdad and the Basra. Its major cities include the capital, Al Kut, and Al Hayy. Prior to 1976 it was known as Kut Province. Another city in this Governorate is Wasit.