South Ossetia

American  

noun

1. a region in N Georgia, on the S side of the Caucasus Range. 1,506 sq. mi. (3,900 sq. km).

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South Ossetia British  

/ əˈsiːʃə /

noun

1. Georgian name: Tskhinvali.  Also called: South Ossetian Autonomous Region.  a disputed region in Georgia on the S slopes of the Caucasus Mountains; in 1990 it voted to join Russia, leading to armed conflict with Georgian forces; it became an autonomous region in 1997 but later lost this status under a nationwide reorganization of local government; it declared itself an independent republic in 2008 following armed conflict in the region between Russian and Georgian forces. Capital: Tskhinvali. Pop: about 70 000 (2000 est). Area: 3900 sq km (1500 sq miles)

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Example Sentences

Moscow recognises the breakaway Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent, while most of the world recognises them as Georgian territory.

From Barron's • Oct. 15, 2025

In 2008, Russian forces routed the Georgian army and took over two of its breakaway regions - Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2024

Speaking in parliament on Thursday, Kobakhidze said the government will work to end the Russian occupation of Georgia’s breakaway provinces of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and take efforts to overcome poverty.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 8, 2024

In August 2008, Russia invaded Georgia, as a result of conflict over the disputed region of South Ossetia.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 16, 2023

Separatist conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia have been dormant since spring 1994, although political settlements remain elusive.

From The 1998 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency