A landlocked nation in central Asia, Mongolia became the centre
of the mighty Mongol Empire set up by famed Chinggis Khan in the 13th
century. After his death the empire became divided into many independent
kingdoms. The territory came also under the Chinese rule. Eventually
Mongolia became an independent nation with in 1921 Soviet backing
assistance.
In 1990 Mongolia bade adieu to the 70-year-old single-party system
and initiated political and economic reforms.
More than 30 percent of the Mongolian populations are nomadic or semi-nomadic
while a third of the population lives in the capital, Ulan Bator.
With an area of 1.5 million sq km, the country has a varied landscape
which is dominated by flat steppes and grassland.
Travel Overview
Travellers visiting Mongolia are in for a treat. The country appeals
to your sense of sight. The Shiliin Bogd, the highest peak in the
Sükhbaatar Aimag region, offers wonderful views of volcanic craters.
Other popular tourist destinations of Mongolia include the 18th century
monasteries at Amarbayasgalant Khiid, dedicated to the Mongolian Buddhist
and sculptor, Zanabazar. For wildlife lovers the Tavanbogd National
Park is a paradise, home to a hoist of archaeological sites. The park
offers excellent wildlife as well as opportunities for rafting. Ulaanbaatar,
the capital of Mongolia, is famous for its four holy peaks.
Capital: Ulaanbaatar
Location: Northern Asia, between China and Russia
Climate: desert, continental
Total Area: 1,564,116
Total Population: 2,951,786
Population Growth Rate: 1.486%
Sex Ratio: 1 male(s)/female
Literacy: 97.8%
Ethnic Groups: Mongol, Turkic, Chinese and Russian
Irrigated land: 840 sq km
Languages: Khalkha Mongol, Turkic, Russian
Time Zone: UTC+8
Currency: togrog/tugrik (MNT
Neighbouring countries: China, Russia
Type of govt.: mixed parliamentary/presidential
Head of Govt.: Prime Minister Miegombyn Enkhbold
Major Political Parties: Citizens' Will Republican Party or CWRP ,
Democratic Party or DP, Motherland-Mongolian New Socialist Democratic
Party or M-MNSDP , Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party or MPRP
, Mongolian Republican Party or MRP , People's Party or PP
Participation in International Organizations: CP, EBRD, ARF, AsDB,
FAO, G-77, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IAEA, IBRD, IDA, IFAD, ILO, IMF, IFC,
IFRCS, IMO, Interpol, ITUC, MIGA, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MONUC,
OSCE, NAM, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
WMO, WTO, WCO, WHO, WIPO,
Major Agricultural Products: vegetables, forage crops, wheat, barley,
sheep, goats, horses, cattle, camels
Natural Resources & Minerals: molybdenum, tungsten, oil, coal,
copper, phosphates, fluorspar, gold, tin, nickel, zinc, silver, iron.
Industry & Transport: construction and construction materials,
mining (coal, copper, tin, tungsten, and gold, molybdenum, fluorspar,
oil, food and beverages, processing of animal products, natural fiber
manufacturing, cashmere
Airports: 44
Railways: 1,810 km
Roadways: 49,250 km
Waterways: 580 km
Major Trade Partners: China, US, Canada, UK, South Korea, Russia,
Japan
Exports: $1.064 billion
Imports: $1.184 billion |
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