Capital: Pago Pago

Population (Estimated July 2012): 68,061

Area: 200km² or 77mi²

Currency: United States Dollar (U.S.$)

Official Language: English; Samoan

Political Information: Unincorporated and unorganized territory of the US

Official Religion: No Official Religion (approximately 50% of the population is Christian Congregationalist, 20% are Roman Catholic and 30% are either protestant or have other religious beliefs)

Highest Mountain: Lata Mountain at 964m or 3162 feet

GDP Official Exchange Rate (OER is more precise at gauging a countries economic power)

(Estimated 2005): $462.2 million (US$) or (GBP)

GDP (OER) Per Capita (per member of the population estimated 2011): (US$) or (GBP)

GDP Purchasing Power Parity (PPP is good for gauging living conditions and use of resources but not as accurate as OER. This data has been calculated based on the sum value of all goods and services produced in the country valued at prices prevailing in the United States)  

(Estimated 2007): $575.3 million (US$) or (GBP)

GDP (PPP) Per Capita (per member of the population estimated 2007): $8,000 (US$) or (GBP)

Time Zone (GMT/UTC): -11:00

Counties/Provinces/States: three districts and two islands at the second order; Eastern, Manu’a, Rose Island, Swains Island, Western

 

Sources: CIA World Fact Book, Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Mongolia, a landlocked country in Central Asia, is known for its vast landscapes, rich history, and unique culture. With a population of around 3 million people, Mongolia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world. It shares borders with Russia to the north and China to the south, east, and west.

Geography and Climate of Mongolia: From the Gobi Desert to the Altai Mountains

Mongolia’s geography is incredibly diverse, ranging from the arid Gobi Desert in the south to the rugged Altai Mountains in the west. The Gobi Desert is one of the largest deserts in the world and covers a significant portion of southern Mongolia. It is characterized by its vast expanses of sand dunes, rocky outcrops, and sparse vegetation.

In contrast, the Altai Mountains offer a stunning landscape of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and alpine meadows. This mountain range is home to several endangered species, including the snow leopard and the Altai argali sheep.

The climate in Mongolia is extreme, with long, cold winters and short, hot summers. Temperatures can drop as low as -40 degrees Celsius (-40 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter and rise above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) in summer. The country experiences very little rainfall throughout the year, making it a dry and arid environment.

History of Mongolia: Nomadic empires, communism, and democracy

Mongolia has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. It was once home to powerful nomadic empires, most notably the Mongol Empire founded by Genghis Khan in the 13th century. At its height, the Mongol Empire was the largest contiguous empire in history, stretching from Eastern Europe to Asia.

In the 20th century, Mongolia went through a period of communist rule under the Soviet Union. The Mongolian People’s Republic was established in 1924 and lasted until 1992. During this time, Mongolia adopted a socialist economic system and aligned itself with the Soviet Union.

Since the transition to democracy in 1992, Mongolia has made significant strides in political and economic reforms. It is now a parliamentary democracy with a multi-party system. The country has also embraced market-oriented reforms and has seen rapid economic growth in recent years.

Culture and Traditions of Mongolia: Throat singing, yurts, and Naadam festival

Mongolia has a unique culture that is deeply rooted in its nomadic heritage. One of the most distinctive aspects of Mongolian culture is throat singing, also known as Khöömei. This traditional form of singing involves producing multiple pitches simultaneously, creating a mesmerizing and haunting sound.

Another iconic symbol of Mongolian culture is the yurt, a portable dwelling used by nomadic herders. Yurts are made from a wooden frame covered with felt and can be easily assembled and disassembled. They provide warmth and shelter in the harsh Mongolian climate and are still used by many nomadic families today.

The Naadam festival is one of Mongolia’s most important cultural events. It takes place every July and showcases the “Three Manly Games” of wrestling, horse racing, and archery. These traditional sports have deep historical roots and are an integral part of Mongolian identity.

Mongolian Cuisine: Meat-heavy dishes and dairy products

Mongolian cuisine is known for its hearty and meat-heavy dishes, reflecting the country’s nomadic lifestyle. One of the most famous Mongolian dishes is khorkhog, which consists of mutton or goat meat cooked with hot stones in a metal container. The stones heat up the meat from the inside, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.

Dairy products also play a significant role in Mongolian cuisine. Airag, a fermented mare’s milk, is a popular traditional beverage. It has a slightly sour taste and is often consumed during special occasions and festivals. Other dairy products such as cheese, yoghurt, and butter are also commonly used in Mongolian cooking.

Wildlife and Nature in Mongolia: Endangered species and national parks

Mongolia is home to a diverse range of wildlife and boasts several national parks and protected areas. The country’s vast and untouched landscapes provide habitats for many endangered species, including the snow leopard, Gobi bear, and wild Bactrian camel.

One of the most famous national parks in Mongolia is the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, located in the southern part of the country. It is known for its stunning desert landscapes, towering sand dunes, and unique wildlife. The park is also home to the famous Flaming Cliffs, where dinosaur fossils have been discovered.

Other notable national parks in Mongolia include Khustain Nuruu National Park, which is known for its population of wild horses called Przewalski’s horses, and Terelj National Park, which offers breathtaking scenery of granite rock formations and lush valleys.

Economy of Mongolia: Mining, agriculture, and tourism

Mongolia’s economy is primarily driven by mining, agriculture, and tourism. The country is rich in mineral resources, including coal, copper, gold, and uranium. Mining plays a crucial role in the economy and contributes significantly to export revenues.

Agriculture also plays an important role in Mongolia’s economy, with livestock farming being the mainstay of rural communities. Nomadic herders raise livestock such as sheep, goats, horses, and camels for meat, milk, and wool.

Tourism has been growing steadily in Mongolia in recent years. The country’s unique landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and opportunities for adventure travel attract visitors from around the world. Tourists can explore the Gobi Desert, go horseback riding in the Mongolian steppe, or experience the traditional nomadic way of life.

Education and Healthcare in Mongolia: Challenges and Improvements

Mongolia faces challenges in its education and healthcare systems. While education is free and compulsory, there are disparities in access to quality education, particularly in rural areas. The government has been working to improve educational infrastructure and increase teacher training programs to address these issues.

In terms of healthcare, Mongolia has made significant improvements in recent years. The government has invested in healthcare infrastructure and implemented reforms to provide better access to healthcare services. However, there are still challenges in rural areas, where access to healthcare facilities can be limited.

Politics and Government of Mongolia: Parliamentary democracy and foreign relations

Mongolia is a parliamentary democracy with a multi-party system. The President is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The Parliament, known as the State Great Khural, is responsible for making laws and overseeing the government.

Mongolia maintains friendly relations with both Russia and China, its two neighbouring countries. It also has diplomatic relations with countries around the world and actively participates in international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.

Tourism in Mongolia: Adventure travel and cultural experiences

Tourism in Mongolia offers a unique blend of adventure travel and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the vast landscapes of the Gobi Desert, ride horses through the Mongolian steppe, or trek through the Altai Mountains. There are also opportunities to experience traditional nomadic life by staying in a yurt and participating in activities such as horseback riding and milking livestock.

For those interested in cultural experiences, Mongolia offers a rich heritage to explore. From visiting Buddhist monasteries to attending traditional festivals such as Naadam, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse oneself in Mongolian culture.

Conclusion: Recap of Mongolia’s unique features and attractions, encouraging readers to visit.

Mongolia is a country that offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the arid Gobi Desert to the snow-capped peaks of the Altai Mountains, the country’s diverse geography provides endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. The nomadic heritage of Mongolia is still alive today, with traditional practices such as throat singing and yurt-dwelling being an integral part of the culture. The country’s cuisine, wildlife, and national parks further add to its appeal. With improvements in infrastructure and a growing tourism industry, now is the perfect time to visit Mongolia and experience its beauty and charm firsthand.