Fast Facts

The August 2008 war altered the demographics of South Ossetia as much of the population perished or fled. There hasn't been a census since then, so some of the facts listed here do not reflect the current state.

Population: 70,000 - 75,000 prior to the August 2008 war.

Geography: 1,500 sq mi. on the southern slopes of the central Caucasus Mountains

Religions: Eastern Orthodox Christianity, Protestantism, Judaism and others

Nationalities: Ossetians (85%) Georgians (9%) Russians (2%) Armenians (2%) Jews (1%) Others (1%)

GDP: $15 million (between $200 and $215 per capita)