Mongolia

Mongolia is a landlocked country in north-central Asia, bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south. It covers about 1.56 million square kilometres. Mountain chains, upland plateaus, basins and steppe plains form much of its terrain; the Gobi region extends across the south. The country has a dry continental climate, with pronounced seasonal and daily temperature ranges. Ulaanbaatar, in the north-central part of the country, is the national capital.

The history of the region includes many nomadic peoples and shifting political relationships across Inner Asia. In the early thirteenth century, Temüjin united Mongol tribes and in 1206 was proclaimed Chinggis Khan. The empire established by him and expanded by his successors came to encompass large parts of Asia, although it later divided into successor states. After Qing rule weakened in 1911, Mongolian leaders declared independence, but the country's status remained contested in subsequent agreements. In 1924 the Mongolian People's Republic was proclaimed. Political changes beginning in 1990 ended the communist party's monopoly on power and initiated multiparty elections and a transition toward a market economy.

Mongolia is a multiparty republic. Its contemporary political system emerged from the reforms and public movements of the early 1990s, after decades as a one-party state closely tied to the Soviet Union. Ulaanbaatar is the capital and the main centre of government. Outside the capital, settlement and livelihoods are shaped in part by the extensive grasslands and the longstanding importance of livestock herding. Modern urban life and pastoral practices are both part of Mongolian society.

Mining and agriculture are important parts of Mongolia's economy. Mineral resources include coal, copper, gold and other ores; pastoral livestock production is also a longstanding source of livelihoods. World Bank reporting describes mining, including copper production, and agricultural output as significant influences on recent economic performance. This combination brings opportunities from exports but also exposure to changing commodity demand, weather and difficult winters that can affect herding and farm output.

Mongolia's cultural life includes traditions associated with pastoralism, music, oral expression and community celebrations. Naadam, a national festival held each July, centres on three traditional sports: horse racing, wrestling and archery. UNESCO describes the festival as closely connected with Mongolian nomadic civilization and lists it on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Naadam also features traditional costumes, music, food and ritual practices.