The Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia make up around 20% of the country's total area. In the aftermath of the Soviet Union's collapse, nationalist movements in both regions led to multiple conflicts and ethnic cleansing, culminating in the 2008 war between Georgia and Russia. After the 2008 war the Georgian government lost what little control it had left over the regions and Russia formally recognised their independence, placing occupying forces in both territories.
