The Tskhinvali Region, also known as South Ossetia, is a territory located in the South Caucasus, bordered by the country of Georgia to the north and the Russian Federation to the east. It has a complex history, particularly regarding its political status, as it declared independence from Georgia in the early 1990s, leading to conflicts and ongoing tensions in the region. The region is characterized by its mountainous terrain and a mix of ethnic groups, primarily Ossetians and Georgians. Following the 2008 war between Georgia and Russia, the Tskhinvali Region has been recognized by Russia and a few other countries as an independent state, while most of the international community still considers it part of Georgia.