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 population of just over 56,500 people living in an area of 3,900 square kilometres, with the capital city being 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, leading to a war in 1991–1992 with help from Russia. After a long pause, fighting flared up again in 2008, resulting in a larger war between Russia and Georgia. Since then, Russia has strongly supported South Ossetia, and there have been discussions about South Ossetia joining Russia completely.

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. Around 1239–1277, Alania fell to the Mongol and later Timur’s armies, who killed many Alanians. The surviving Alans moved into the mountains and gradually migrated south into the Kingdom of Georgia.

In the 17th century, 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, often on lands owned by Georgian lords. The Georgian king allowed Ossetians to immigrate. By the end of the 18th century, 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 Menshevik government. The Ossetians were initially discontented with the economic policies of the central government, but tensions soon turned into ethnic conflict. The first Ossetian rebellion began in February 1918. The Soviet Georgian government created an autonomous administrative unit for Transcaucasian Ossetians in April 1922, called the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast.

Tensions rose in the region amid rising nationalism among both Georgians and Ossetians in 1989. The South Ossetian Popular Front was created in 1988. In November 1989, the South Ossetian regional council asked the Georgian Supreme Council to upgrade the region to the status of an “autonomous republic”. The Georgian parliament revoked this decision.

In 1990, the South Ossetian regional council passed a “declaration of national sovereignty”, proclaiming the South Ossetian Soviet Democratic Republic within the Soviet Union. Ossetians boycotted Georgian parliamentary elections and held their own contest. When the Georgian parliament declared a state of emergency in South Ossetia in December 1990, troops from both Georgian and Soviet interior ministries were sent to the region. The 1991–1992 South Ossetia War followed, characterized by general disregard for international humanitarian law by uncontrollable militias, with both sides reporting atrocities.

An independence referendum was held in South Ossetia on 19 January 1992. The South Ossetian regional council subsequently passed an “act of state independence” and declared the independence of the Republic of South Ossetia on 29 May 1992.

In 2008, tensions between Georgia and Russia escalated. On 7 August 2008, Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili announced a unilateral ceasefire and called for peace talks. However, escalating assaults against Georgian villages were soon matched with gunfire from Georgian troops. Russia accused Georgia of “aggression against South Ossetia”, and launched a large-scale invasion of Georgia. Russian forces occupied several Georgian cities. 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 located where Asia and Europe meet. It sits 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 armed conflict of August 2008, South Ossetia had both Georgian and Ossetian communities living close together. The capital city, Tskhinvali, and most Ossetian areas were run by a separate government, while Georgian areas were managed by Georgia. This closeness made solving the disagreement between the two groups very tricky.

The argument about who should control South Ossetia is still not solved. South Ossetia runs itself independently from Georgia, even though talks happen sometimes. Different leaders in Georgia tried to bring South Ossetia back under their control, but it has not worked well so far.

Government

The leader of South Ossetia, called the president, is chosen by people to lead the country for five years, and can serve only two times in a row. The parliament has 34 members who are also chosen by the 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 other places nearby. 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 of them returned home soon after.

Status

Main article: International recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia

See also: Foreign relations of South Ossetia

After the 2008 South Ossetia war, Russia decided to recognize South Ossetia as an independent country. This decision was not agreed with many other countries, including groups like NATO and the European Council, because it went against Georgia's control over its own land. Some 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 living in South Ossetia voted in a vote to become independent from Georgia, but this vote was not accepted by many other countries.

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 so that people from both South and North Ossetia could live together. However, the leader of South Ossetia said they would not give up their independence. In 2015, leaders from South Ossetia and Russia signed an agreement to work more closely together, which some saw as a step toward 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, which are not fully under Georgia's control. The law says that people cannot move freely or do business in these areas without special permission. It also says that Russia is responsible for any problems in these regions.

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. After wars in the past, South Ossetia had trouble with 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, but there are also Georgians, Russians, Armenians, and others living there. Before some conflicts between Georgia and Ossetia, many more Georgians lived in certain parts of South Ossetia.

The number of people living in South Ossetia has changed over time. Some people moved away during wars, and counting the exact number of people has been difficult. In recent years, the population was estimated to be around 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, efforts were made to send students from South Ossetia 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 a national football team, but it is not part of the big football groups like FIFA or UEFA. The team won a special football competition called the 2019 CONIFA European Football Cup.