South Ossetia

South Ossetia is a disputed territory in the South Caucasus region, recognized as an independent state by Russia and a few other countries. It declared independence from Georgia in 1991, leading to a brief war in 2008 between Georgia and Russia. South Ossetia is located in the mountainous region of the Caucasus and has a predominantly ethnic Ossetian population. The status of South Ossetia remains unresolved, with Georgia considering it part of its territory and the international community not recognizing its independence.