Short answers, pulled from the story.
South Ossetia became part of the Democratic Republic of Georgia following the Russian revolution. Modern South Ossetia was integrated into this state structure after the collapse of imperial rule in the early 20th century.
Georgian troops entered Tskhinvali on the 5th of January 1991 triggering a conflict characterized by disregard for international humanitarian law. About 100,000 ethnic Ossetians fled across the border into North Ossetia while 23,000 ethnic Georgians fled to other parts of Georgia between 60 and 100 villages were burned down or abandoned during the fighting.
Five United Nations member states recognize South Ossetia as sovereign including Russia Venezuela Nicaragua Nauru and Syria. All other UN members including the European Union NATO and OSCE regard it as sovereign territory of Georgia.
By 2010 Russian donations comprised nearly 99% of the region's budget though this decreased to 83% by 2021. Control of the Roki Tunnel represents virtually the only significant economic asset generating customs revenue before the war.
By the 1st of January 2022 South Ossetian Statistical agency estimated population reached 56,520 with 33,054 living in Tskhinvali capital city. The 2015 census conducted by South Ossetian authorities recorded 53,532 total inhabitants including 48,146 Ossetians representing 89.9 percent.