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 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 who inspired an admirable awe. Politically, Mongolia is successfully making its transition to democracy, undertaking democratic reforms that value civil liberties and promote human rights. The popular sited for current tourists include the Gobi desert, the ancient capital of Kharahorum, and the great Khovsgol Lake in the north of the country, all of which are ideal places to experience traditional lifestyle.

Population

The country's population is 2.8 million. Started some twelve centuries ago as a 300,000 strong union of several nomad tribes, by the turn of this century Mongols counted a mere half a million. During seven decades of communism, the population quadrupled, especially after the "baby boom" of 60s. Presently, children and youth under 35 make up 70 percent of the population and the average age is 21 year. Out of 2.8 million roughly a half lives in cities and towns, while the remaining 47 percent still live nomad lifestyle.

The capital city

It is situated north and slightly east of the center of Mongolia, on the Tuul River, in a 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. It is situated north and slightly east of the center of Mongolia, on the Tuul River, in a valley at the foot of the mountain Bogdo Uul. Founded in 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 the Mongolian language), in honor of Mongolia's national hero S?hbaatar, 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. One third of the country's population, or about 800,000 people live now in the capital city. Ulaanbaatar has an international airport, Buyant Ukhaa 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. The city has the only university in the country. 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 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 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 anew.

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.