South Ossetia

Autonomous region of the Georgian republic, part of the region of Ossetia; population (1990 est) 99,800. It lies on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus mountains, mostly above 1,000 m/3,300 ft above sea level. Its capital is Tskinvali. Its rivers are used to produce hydroelectric power, and less than 10% of the land is cultivated. Cereals, vines, and fruit are grown, while the higher land is used for forestry and rearing sheep, goats, and cattle. Traditional industries produce leather goods, fur clothing, and metal objects.

South Ossetia has been the scene of Ossete-Georgian interethnic conflict since 1989, with Ossetes seeking indepedence from Georgia and reunification with Alania, formerly North Ossetia. The inhabitants are mainly Greek Orthodox Christians. The president of the region is Eduard Kokoev (from 2001).