South Ossetia

South Ossetia, formally known as the State of Alania since 2017, is a partially recognised state in the South Caucasus. It has a small population of just over 56,500 people living in an area of 3,900 square kilometres. The capital city is Tskhinvali. The area borders only Russia and Georgia.

As of 2024, only five countries recognise South Ossetia as an independent nation: Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nauru, and Syria. Most of the world, including the Georgian government, consider South Ossetia to be part of Georgia.

The region declared independence from Georgia in 1990, which led to a war in 1991–1992 with help from Russia. After a long pause, fighting started again in 2008, leading to a larger war between Russia and Georgia. Since then, Russia has supported South Ossetia, and there have been talks about South Ossetia joining Russia.

History

The Ossetians are believed to come from the Alans, a nomadic Iranian tribe. In the 8th century, a kingdom called Alania formed in the northern Caucasus Mountains. In the 1200s, Alania fell to the Mongol and later Timur’s armies. The surviving Alans moved into the mountains and later into the Kingdom of Georgia.

In the 1600s, pressure from Kabardian princes caused Ossetians to move from the North Caucasus to the Kingdom of Kartli. Ossetian peasants settled in the mountainous areas of the South Caucasus. The Georgian king allowed Ossetians to immigrate. By the late 1700s, Ossetian settlements in modern South Ossetia were in places like Kudaro, Greater Liakhvi gorge, and Truso.

The Georgian Kingdom of Kartli-Kakheti, including modern South Ossetia, was annexed by the Russian Empire in 1801. The Ossetians refused to submit to the new administration and considered themselves independent. By 1830, Ossetia was fully under Russian control. Ossetian migration to Georgian areas continued in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Following the Russian Revolution, the area of modern South Ossetia became part of the Democratic Republic of Georgia. In 1918, conflict began between landless Ossetian peasants and the government. The Ossetians were unhappy with the central government’s policies, and tensions grew.

The Soviet Georgian government created an autonomous administrative unit for Transcaucasian Ossetians in 1922, called the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast.

Tensions rose in the region in 1989. The South Ossetian Popular Front was created in 1988. In 1990, the South Ossetian regional council passed a “declaration of national sovereignty”, proclaiming the South Ossetian Soviet Democratic Republic within the Soviet Union.

In 2008, tensions between Georgia and Russia grew. On 7 August 2008, Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili announced a unilateral ceasefire and called for peace talks. Russia accused Georgia of aggression against South Ossetia and launched an invasion of Georgia. A ceasefire agreement was negotiated on 12 August 2008. Russia recognised South Ossetia as a separate republic on 26 August.

Geography

See also: Geography of Georgia (country)

South Ossetia is a mountainous area where Asia and Europe meet. It is on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus mountains and includes parts of the Iberia Plain, a flat area in the middle of South Ossetia. The Likhi Range forms the western edge of South Ossetia.

The Greater Caucasus Mountains act as a border between South Ossetia and Russia. There is one main road connecting South Ossetia to Russia through the Roki tunnel into North Ossetia, finished in 1986. South Ossetia covers about 3,900 km² (1,506 sq mi). Most of the land is over 1,000 m above sea level, with the highest point being Mount Khalatsa at 3,938 m.

South Ossetia's climate is influenced by warm air from the east and the Mediterranean from the west. The mountains block cold air from the north, keeping things warmer than in other nearby mountain areas. The weather changes based on height and distance from the Black Sea. Lower areas have warmer, drier summers and colder winters with snow. Higher areas are much colder, with snow and ice staying all year above 3,600 m.

Government and politics

Until the conflict in August 2008, South Ossetia had both Georgian and Ossetian people living close together. The capital city, Tskhinvali, and most Ossetian areas had their own government, while Georgian areas were managed by Georgia. This made it hard to solve disagreements between the two groups.

The question of who should control South Ossetia is still not solved. South Ossetia governs itself independently from Georgia, even though they sometimes talk. Leaders in Georgia have tried to bring South Ossetia back under their control, but it has not worked well.

Government

The leader of South Ossetia, called the president, is chosen by people to lead for five years and can serve only two times in a row. The parliament has 34 members who are also chosen by people to make laws.

Since May 2022, Alan Gagloev has been the president of South Ossetia.

Military

Main article: Armed Forces of South Ossetia

In 2017, some of South Ossetia’s military joined the Russian army. Russia has set up a big military base in Tskhinvali and nearby places. Russia also has border guards near where South Ossetia meets Georgia. Many Russian soldiers and border guards work in these areas. In 2022, South Ossetia sent some soldiers to help Russia, but many returned home soon after.

Status

Main article: International recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia

See also: Foreign relations of South Ossetia

In 2008, there was a war in South Ossetia. After this, Russia said South Ossetia should be its own country. Many other countries did not agree, including groups like NATO and the European Council, because it went against Georgia's control over its land. A few other countries, like Nicaragua and Venezuela, later also recognized South Ossetia.

Many countries, such as the European Union, the Council of Europe, and NATO, still do not see South Ossetia as independent. In 2006, people in South Ossetia voted to become independent from Georgia, but many other countries did not accept this vote.

Plans for annexation to the Russian Federation

Main article: Proposed Russian annexation of South Ossetia

In 2008, some leaders in South Ossetia talked about joining Russia. The leader of South Ossetia said they would not give up their independence. In 2015, leaders from South Ossetia and Russia agreed to work more closely together, which some thought might lead to South Ossetia becoming part of Russia.

Law on occupied territories of Georgia

Main article: Occupied territories of Georgia

In 2008, Georgia made a law about the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The law says that people cannot move or do business in these areas without special permission. It also says that Russia is responsible for any problems there.

Economy

South Ossetia's economy is mostly based on farming. People grow cereals, fruits, and vines, and they also take care of cattle. There are some small factories, especially around the capital city, Tskhinvali. In the past, wars made it hard for people to have money and jobs. Today, many people still farm to feed their families.

Most of South Ossetia’s money comes from Russia. Russia helps with building things and giving support. South Ossetia uses the Russian ruble for everyday buying and selling, even though it has its own coins. The country also controls a tunnel that connects Russia and Georgia, which helps bring in some money.

Demographics

See also: Religion in South Ossetia

In South Ossetia, most people are Ossetian. There are also Georgians, Russians, Armenians, and others living there. Before some conflicts between Georgia and Ossetia, many Georgians lived in some parts of South Ossetia.

The number of people in South Ossetia has changed over time. Some people moved away during wars, making it hard to count everyone. In recent years, the population was about 56,500, with many living in the capital city, Tskhinvali.

Eastern Orthodoxy is the main religion for many people in South Ossetia.

Education

The main university in South Ossetia is the South Ossetian State University in Tskhinvali. After a war in 2008, students from South Ossetia were sent to study in universities in Russia.

Culture

Music

Main article: Ossetian music

Public holidays

Main article: Public holidays in South Ossetia

Sport

South Ossetia has its own football team. The team is not part of big football groups like FIFA or UEFA. In 2019, the team won a special football competition called the 2019 CONIFA European Football Cup.