South Ossetia declared independence from Georgia in 1990. Following the 2008 Russo-Georgian War, Russia recognised South Ossetia as independent. The territory is heavily dependent on Russia and has been largely depopulated.
Key Fact
South Ossetia's pre-war population of ~70,000 has been reduced to an estimated 30,000–50,000 following the 2008 war and subsequent emigration. Russia has effectively annexed the territory in practice.