South Ossetia

The flag of South Ossetia consists of three equal horizontal stripes in white, red and yellow (gold). In Ossetian symbolism, white represents spirituality, purity and wisdom; red represents rights, strength and courage; and yellow represents prosperity, abundance and wealth. Together, the colors express harmony and are deeply rooted in Ossetian cultural tradition.

The white-red-yellow Ossetian tricolor was revived during the late 1980s and became an important symbol of South Ossetian identity. The design was established as a state symbol in the early 1990s and has continued to be used by the de facto authorities of South Ossetia. The territory’s political status remains internationally disputed, with most countries recognizing it as part of Georgia.

Common Name: South Ossetia
Claimed Official Name: Republic of South Ossetia – State of Alania
Region: South Caucasus
Administrative Center / Capital: Tskhinvali
Political Status: Disputed territory; recognized by most of the international community as part of Georgia
Flag Proportion: 1:2

Notable Places:
• Tskhinvali
• Caucasus Mountains
• Roki Tunnel area
• Dzau (Java) district
• Historic Ossetian mountain settlements

South Ossetia is a mountainous territory in the South Caucasus, north of central Georgia and along the Greater Caucasus range. Its landscape is characterized by valleys, forests, mountain roads and traditional Ossetian settlements. Tskhinvali is its main urban center. Because the territory’s political status is disputed and access can be restricted, international travel conditions differ substantially from those of conventional tourist destinations.