According to the 2015 census conducted by the South Ossetian authorities, the region's total population was 53,532, including 48,146 Ossetians (89.9%), 3,966 Georgians (7.4%), and 610 Russians. Of these, 30,432 lived in Tskhinvali. The Georgian authorities have questioned the accuracy of these data. Estimates based on official birth rates and school attendance suggest it may have around 39,000 inhabitants, and an independent estimate from 2009 put the population at 26,000.