North Ossetia–Alania, Republic in North Caucasus region, Russia
This is a republic in the North Caucasus spanning 8,000 square kilometers (3,100 square miles). The terrain rises from flat lowlands through rolling foothills to steep mountain chains with Kazbek as the highest point.
The territory gained republic status in 1936 after years as an autonomous region. Following the Soviet Union collapse, it adopted its present name with Alania added in 1993.
Many people here speak Ossetian daily alongside Russian, a language with roots different from most others spoken in the Caucasus. In the mountain villages, locals maintain traditional customs that shape everyday life and remain visible to those who visit.
The capital Vladikavkaz sits centrally and serves as a base for journeys into the mountains or the surrounding plains. Industrial activity centers on metalworking plants, machinery production, and mining operations visible in many areas.
Four parallel mountain chains run north of the main ridge: the Side Range, Rocky Range, Pasture Range, and Forest Range. This layout creates distinct zones that travelers can recognize more easily than elsewhere in the Caucasus.
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