South Ossetia begin at about , and above snow and ice are present year-round. South Ossetia's economy is primarily agricultural, although less than 10% of South Ossetia's land area is cultivated. Cereals, fruit and vines are the major produce. Forestry and cattle industries are also maintained. A number of industrial facilities also exist, particularly around the capital, Tskhinvali. Following the 2008 South Ossetia war, Russia recognized South Ossetia as independent. This unilateral recognition by Russia was met by condemnation from Western Blocs, such as NATO, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the European Council due to the violation of Georgia's
Human rights in South Ossetia Georgian Kingdom. Following this, the political climate in Ossetia deteriorated, opening the doors for Russian annexation. During 1918 a peasant uprising had broke out in the region of South Ossetia and forcefully suppressed by Menshevik peoples guard, carried out by Georgian, Jaliko Jugheli. A Russian endorsed force crossed the border and attacked the Georgian army and guard, this action perpetrated violent reactions by the Georgians provoking bloodless battles. This ensued thousands of deaths furthermore thousands of Ossetians fled to Soviet Russia. At the conclusion of this battle many villages were burnt and fertile land was desolated. Between the years of