Today is: (GMT+08.00)  

The vast expanses of the steppes, the untouched pristine nature, the beauty and wonder of the Mongolian scenery coupled with the Mongolian nomadic lifestyle and renowned hospitality have been the major attractions for all to our country. Located in the very heart of Asia, between Russia and China, with a population of 2.8 million and a territory of 1.566 million square kilometer. The great majority (about 94%) of ethnic groups are Mongols. The other ethnic group, the Kazaks, make up 5% (130.000) of the population. They live in western Mongolia. About half of the 2,7 million people live in gers, and 396,000 herdsmen look after nearly 33,0 million livestock. They truly nomadic, moving their gers and animals several times a year, constantly searching for better feed, water and weather. The life of a nomads, and therefore Mongolia, is inextricably linked to the environment and animals. The country possesses a great potential to develop and prosper. With an extremely low population density of only 1.4 persons per square kilometer, many areas still remain virtually unpopulated. Mongolia's nature is unique and unspoiled, comprising mountain ranges, forests, steppes, semi-desert and desert areas. Mongolia, the very name of evokes images of Chinggis Khan's warriors whose conquests still inspire awe in millions. Politically, Mongolia is successfully making its transition to democracy, undertaking democratic reforms that value civil liberties and promote human rights. The popular touristy sites include, among others, the Gobi desert, the ancient capital of Kharkhorin, and the great Khovsgol Lake in the north of the country, all of which are ideal places to experience its traditional lifestyle.

Population: The country’s population is 2.8 million. The population of Mongolia consists of 92.6% Mongols. Among those, the Khalkha, Uriankhai and Buryats are counted as eastern Mongols. The Oirats, living mainly in the Altay region, belong to the western Mongols. Started some twelve centuries ago as a 300,000 strong union of several nomad tribes, by the turn of last century Mongols counted a mere half a million. During seven decades of communism, the population quadrupled, especially after the “baby boom” of the 60s. Presently, children and youth under 35 make up 70 percent of the population and the average age is 21. Life in sparsely populated Mongolia has become more urbanized. Nearly half of the people live in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, and in other provincial centers. Semi nomadic life still predominates in the countryside, but settled agricultural communities are becoming more common. Out of 2,8 million roughly a half lives in cities and towns, while the remaining 40 percent still pursue a nomadic lifestyle tending more than 28 million livestock. Animal husbandry remains a backbone of the national economy, providing 20 percent of the world's cashmere production. The nomads' life changed very little since old days, except that nomadic herders prefer to use sometimes motorbikes or "iron horses" rather than live ones. Mongolia remains the last refuge of the pastoral nomadism, preserving and continuing the traditional cultural heritage of the many nomadic nations that once flourished on the present day territory of Mongolia.

The capital city: It’s situated north and slightly east of the center of Mongolia, on the Tuul River, in valley at the foot of the mountain Bogdo Uul. Ulaanbaatar is the capital of Mongolia, main center of politics, business and finance, culture and science. Founded 1649 as a Buddhist monastery town named Urga, it prospered in the 1860s as a commercial center on the tea route between Russia and China. Mongolia first proclaimed its autonomy in 1911, and when the city became the capital of the new Mongolian People’s Republic in 1924, its name was changed to Ulaanbaatar (“red hero” in Mongolian) in honor of Mongolia’s national hero Sukhbaatar, who liberated Mongolia from Ungern von Sternberg troops, Chinese rule and called in the Soviet Red Army. His statue still adorns Ulaanbaatar’s central square. The name of the city is also changed many times. It was Orgoo, Nomiin Khuree, Ikh Khuree, Da Khuree, Niislel Khuree and the last name-Ulaanbaatar. After the people`s revolution, it was Ulaanbaatar. The history of Mongolian capital city is related Khar Khorin which is located Uvurkhangai province. According to some records, Kharkhorin was built in 1220. It was the capital city of Mongolia for 32 years in Mongolian empire. During the time, many travelers (Marco polo) visited the city. The city was moved from one place to another place more than 20 times. One third of the country’s population lives now in the capital city. Ulaanbaatar has an international airport, Chingis Khaan airport and is connected by highway to all the major towns in Mongolia and by rail to the Trans-Siberian railway and Chinese railroad systems. But there are number of colleges both private and public. A historical library contains a wealth of ancient Mongolian, Chinese, and Tibetan manuscripts. It’s quickly becoming a cosmopolitan hub with ex-pat pubs and chic French cafes, adding and exotic sparkle to the traditional cultural environment. It has the State Circus, Drama Theater, Opera and Ballet Theater, many kind of museum and universities. Ulaanbaatar is called a student`s city. Because there are about 100 state and private universities and institutes. In fact the city has the only universities in the country. The state biggest universities are National University of Mongolia, Mongolian University of Science and Technology, Finance and Economic institute and others. Also there are more than 121 secondary schools and 100 kindergartens. Most of the city spreads from east and west same as Ulaanbaatar. The center of Ulaanbaatar is Sukhbaatar square that is surrounded by Parliament Building, Bodi tower, Cultural palace, Opera Theater and others. A historical library contains a wealth of ancient Mongolian, Chinese, and Tibetan manuscripts. It's quickly becoming a cosmopolitan hub with ex-pat pubs and chic French cafes, adding an exotic sparkle to the traditional cultural environment.

Religion: Mongolia used to be the second, after Tibet, stronghold of Buddhist religion. In the turn of 20th century each and every family was obliged to send one of their children to a monastery to become a monk. However, with the arrival of Communists in 20s, the religion was severely repressed, and all but one monastery destroyed. More than 30,000 monks and priests were executed and another 70,000 exiled or imprisoned. In seven decades Buddhism was almost eradicated, but the liberalization of 1990 allowed its peaceful revival. Now more than 140 Buddhist monasteries have been set up a new. Nowadays Mongolia offers foreign visitors a glimpse into Tibetan Buddhism that can hardly be observed elsewhere. Under this new freedom of belief, other religions flocked in, including more than 40, mostly Christian, churches and cults. Another popular religion is Islam , practiced by a 60,000 strong Kazakh minority in Bayan Ulgii province.

For more about Mongolian traditions: click here