About Mongolia

• Basic Country Information

Mongolia, a country five times the size of France has a population of only 2.7 million, 44 per cent of whom are under the age of 16. Average population density is 1.4 persons per sq. km which means that Mongolia is one of the most sparsely inhabited nations on earth. At the same time, Mongolia is a relatively urbanized country. More than 60 percent of its population resides in towns and settlements, including 26.4 percent in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. 15 per cent of all rural families, some 136,000 people, live in semi-nomadic conditions.

    There are 20 ethnic Mongolian groups, and many people of mixed ethnic origin. Khalkh Mongols make up the largest group with almost 80% of the population. The second largest ethnic group, the Kazakhs, represent 6% of the population.     The official language is Mongolian which belongs to the Ural-Altaic group of languages. Russian is widely understood in urban areas. A lot of people can also speak English and German. Korean and Japanese are popular languages among the student population.

• History

    The territory of present-day Mongolia was first inhabited by man in 500th millennium BC. Archaeologists have identified a distinct Mongolian people as early as the second millennium BC. Several states of the Mongolian tribes such as Hunnu, Jujan, Turkic, Uigur, Kidan succeeded each other before the 12th century A.D.

    In 1206 the warring nomadic tribes were unified by Chinggis Khan and armed with a swift and powerful cavalry he embarked on military campaigns across Asia, Russia and Eastern Europe. In one and a half centuries that followed, Mongolians built up one of the largest empires known in the world. Before his death in 1227 Chinggis Khan divided the empire into four kingdoms to be ruled by his sons and grandsons. They extended the territory of the empire conquering almost the whole Eurasian Continent from Southeast Asia to Central Europe.

    By the mid-1300s the Mongolian Empire began to weaken due to an internal power struggle among the princes. After several unsuccessful attempts to consolidate its territory, the empire collapsed. With the fall of the Yuan Empire established by the Khubilai Khan, the grandson of Chinggis, Mongolians began to withdraw to their homeland.

    In 1636, China’s Manchu dynasty extended its rule over the southern part of Mongolia, known as Inner Mongolia, and in 1691 four princedoms of Khalkh Mongolia were subjugated to the same rule.

    During the colonial rules of Manchu, the Mongolian people did not give up their struggle for independence, but all their uprisings and revolts against Manchu were furiously suppressed by the invaders. The period of Manchu rule is remembered as a degrading period in Mongolian history. When the Manchu Dynasty fell in 1911, Mongolian princes declared independence. After the proclamation of independence, Chinese and Russian warlords made several attempts to gain control over Mongolia. In this critical period, a new government headed by the Mongolian People's Party and supported by Socialist Russia came to power in 1921. In 1924 the Mongolian People's Republic was proclaimed and within the same year the first Constitution was adopted. Thus Mongolia became the second socialist country in the world. In the first half of the 1920s, the Mongolian revolutionaries pursued a prudent policy aimed at developing and strengthening a newly re-established independent state. Later on, the policy of eliminating private ownership and religious freedom was implemented with thorough instructions from the Soviet Russia. The political repression of 1937-1939 swept away the lives of tens of thousands of people, the majority of whom were clergymen, noblemen and intelligentsia. Throughout history, Mongolians used several scripts. The Cyrillic alphabet introduced in the 1940s as an official script is in present use. The Mongolian script written from top downward is considered to be the national one and is being revived. During the seven decades of its existence as a socialist country Mongolia achieved considerable results in terms of economy, culture and civil education. Beginning in December 1989, a series of public rallies were staged by the opposition for the removal of certain politburo members. The first-ever multiparty elections were held in July 1990, in which the ruling Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party was victorious, but the opposition did well enough to be invited to join the cabinet. The national privatization policy and other enactments aimed at introducing market principles were adopted in 1991, allowing privatization of agriculture and state-owned assets. The third parliamentary elections resulted in the victory of the coalition of democratic forces who took 50 out of the total 76 seats. On July 2, 2000 there was a parliamentary election in Mongolia, resulting in the Mongolian Revolutionary Party taking 72 out of 76 seats.

• Political system

    Mongolia is a parliamentary republic with the following characteristics. Head of State-The President is directly elected by popular majority vote for a 4-year term. Candidates are nominated by the political parties. The President has the power to veto Parliament’s decisions, but may be overridden by a 2/3 parliamentary vote. Present President  is Nambaryn Enkhbayar. The next presidential election is in July 2008.

 Head of Government-The Prime Minister is appointed by the legislature for four years. The present Prime Minister, Mr. S.Bayar.

 National Legislature-The Parliament, known as Great Khural, is comprised of 76 representatives elected for 4 year terms.

 State structure-Under the administrative division of the territory, Mongolia is divided into aimags (provinces) and the capital city; the aimag consists of soums (counties), and the latter of bags. The capital city is divided into districts consisting of horoos (quarters).

 Local Government-Aimag governors are indirectly elected. Voters in each soum elect deputies who convene in the aimag capital to elect the governor.

 Political Parties - Major political parties include the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party (MPRP), the Democrats, the Mongolian Socialist Democratic Party, the Mongolian New Socialist Democratic Party and the Mongolian New Social Democratic Party, which, despite having names that harken back to the old Soviet System, all have platforms that espouse democracy and free market policies that encourage economic development and foreign investment.

 Judiciary - The Mongolian constitution established an independent judiciary. The Supreme Court is the court of final appeal. The Mongolian judiciary consists of a number of appellate and district courts as well as specialized courts handling criminal, civil and administrative issues.

 Constitution – The Current constitution was promulgated in 1992 and establishes Mongolia as a democratic republic with independent executive, legislative and judicial branches.

Facts on Mongolia

• Capital:

Ulaanbaatar founded in 1639 (population 649,600 ) is situated at an altitude of 1200 m. above sea level.

• Area:1,566,500 sq. km
• Natural resources:  
  

Mongolia has one of Asia's largest freshwater lake Khuvsgul and river systems. 75,1% of the territory is pastureland and 8,0% forest with 2260 species of vascular plants, united in 596 genera and 104 families are found. Fauna -127 species of mammals, 360 species of birds and 70 species of fish. More than 6,000 occurrences of about 80 different minerals such as ferrous, nonferrous, light and precious metals, rare metals and rare earth elements, non metals, fossil fuels as well as industrial and building materials.

• Climate:    
  

Sharp continental, marked by four seasons. Average summer temperature +17°C, average winter temperature -26°C, average rainfall 200-220 mm. Winter season from November to late April very cold, Spring from May to June is cool and windy. Summer from July to September has occasional rain but it is the best season for travel and outdoor activities. Autumn months are cool but sunny.

• Population:    
  

2.7 million

• Population density:
  

1.4 per sq. km and growth rate is 1.54%. People are predominantly Khalkha Mongols (90%), with a considerable minority of Turkis Kazakhs (4%), apart from many other small Mongol minorities. Chinese and Russians (6%)

• Language:
  

Mongolian is the official language. It is written in Cyrillic script though attempts are being made to popularise the Mongolian Uigur script. Literacy rate is 89.5%.

• Religion:
  

Majority of the population follows Buddhism. Around 5% of the population consist of Kazakhs Muslims and lately Christians.

• Culture:
  

The oral tradition of folklore includes myths, fables, legends, sayings and proverbs, song lyrics and poetry, especially epics, the poetry of praise and good wishes. The history of written literature is now known to date from the XIII century and its first creation was "Mongolyn Nuuts Tovchoo". The main theme revolves around the unification of separate Mongol tribes by Chinggis Khaan under the banner of a single state. Mongolian painting and handicrafts, and performances by Mongolian circus acrobats, singers and dancers are widely acclaimed.

Traveling to Mongolia

• By Air

The majority of visitors arrive to Mongolia by air through Buyant Ukhaa International Airport located 18 km to the southwest of Ulaanbaatar . It was reconstructed in 1990. Immigration and customs formalities as well as luggage delivery are very prompt. The international air transport is operated by MIAT (Mongolian Airlines), Korean Airline and AIR CHINA (China Airlines).

 Three possibilities to get to Ulaanbaatar airport

• From Europe to Moscow and to Ulaanbaatar with AEROFLOT (Russian Airline).

• From Europe to Beijing with the major foreign airlines and then to Ulaanbaatar with MIAT (Mongolian Airlines) or AIR CHINA (Chinese Airline) 
• From Berlin and Frankfurt (twice weekly flights) to Ulaanbaatar direct with MIAT (OM). MIAT (Mongolian Airlines), the national flag carrier of Mongolia, which is responsible for 95% of all air transportation in Mongolia, operates scheduled flights to overseas destinations such as Moscow, Beijing, Berlin, Frankfurt, Alma-Ata, Irkutsk, Hoh hot, Seoul, Osaka and Singapore using a fleet of 26 aircrafts: Boeing B727-200 and Antonove (AN24, AN26, AN30)

• By Rail  

    Trans Mongolian Railway operates 1,110 kilometers of "Trans-Mongolian Main Line" (inside Mongolia ). Dating back to 1938, the Trans Mongolian runs from Russian border via Ulaanbaatar to the Chinese border.
    Exploring Mongolia following the rail lines of the legendary Trans Mongolian and Trans Siberian Railways is more than a simple way of transportation; it is an expedition in itself. Total distance by rail from Beijing to St Petersburg is 7,925 km. Travelers can join in Moscow (or St Petersburg ) or in Beijing (or Hong Kong and Hanoi ).
    There are usually nine compartments in each carriage with four berths in each (twin-share rail compartments are available for a supplementary price).Indicative prices for first class (subject to change without notice):

• Ulaanbaatar / Moscow - departure Mondays (Russian train);
• Saturdays (Chinese train) and Thursdays (Mongolian train) - duration of the trip-5 days;
• Ulaanbaatar / Beijing - departure Thursdays (Mongolian train) 

Three-day transit visas are also available for those en route to Russia or China.

    A few nationalities are currently allowed visa-free travel in Mongolia, including citizens of Hong-Kong, Israel, Malaysia, Poland, Singapore and the USA /90 days/. Other nationalities including UK citizens, pay 25 or a 30-day visa, and 20 for a transit visa. Visas can also be obtained upon arrival at the airport in Ulaanbaatar or at the train border crossings, for $50 /two passport photos are needed/.
    The tourist visa can be extended for up to 30 days. Submit fee and application at the rear of the Foreign Ministry in Ulaanbaatar. Overstaying a visa will result in a fine upon exiting the country. Foreigners working in Mongolia on a single entry visa will need an exit visa /US$20/ to leave the country.

• Registration

Visitors staying more than 30 days must register with the police. The Foreign registration office is located in Sukhbaatar District, Chinggis Khaan Avenue 11. Tel: 313259 or 325796. Registration details are dependent on visa status, and are subject to frequent changes. Please call the registration office for details.

• Ports of entry

International flights arrive and depart from Buyant Ukhaa airport /Ulaanbaatar/. The train passes through the frontier posts of Sukhbaatar and Zamyn Uud. The passport must be valid for six months after the exit date from Mongolia. Newly arrived visitors must fill out a declaration form with the amount of money /unlimited / they are bringing in and declare any objects of value. This form must be kept until departure. Keep all receipts for expensive purchases, especially souvenirs. Antiques and fossils can be taken out of the country with a special certificate and receipt from an officially licensed dealer. Because of increased smuggling, bags are randomly searched at train stations and airports. The export of animal furs is subject to a special authorization.

• When to travel

As one of the highest and most landlocked countries in the world, Mongolia is subject to extreme continental climate-with scorching hot summers and long sub-arctic winters. The average temperature in Ulaanbaatar is -25 O C /-13F/ in winter and 16 O C /60F/ in summer, although the capital can boast 260 sunny days per year. The summer travel season goes from May 15 to October 15. June is usually blistering hot and dry while August is cooler but wet. The wet conditions make travel difficult in the northern areas. Most travelers come to Mongolia in mid July for the annual National Naadam Festival. Crowds tend to be larger /and prices higher/ at this time. So book ahead for hotels, tours, and transportation. September and October are very good months to see the Gobi. Spring /March to mid - May/ can be unpleasant. Fierce winds and dust storms blow in from Siberia. Snow may still cover the steppes and mountain passes, and where it is melting there is potential for flooding. The lack of rain in spring results in grim brown grasslands. Mountainous regions, notably Huvsgul, can receive a snowstorm even in summer. One advantage to spring is that it is relatively 'bug free' with fewer mosquitoes compared to late summer.

• What to bring

 Travelers should bring sturdy hiking boots to walking shoes, and a pair of sandals. A wide brimmed hat will keep the sun off your face. Light clothing -including shorts and t-shirts- are acceptable. A light rain jacket or poncho is a good idea, especially in August. A pair of long underwear /even in summer/ is useful if you will be in the mountains.

In general, it is a good idea to dress in thin layers, rather than bringing bulky articles. Sunglasses and sun block lotion are as essential as plastic bags, which protect your camera and other electronic goods from dust. For your valuables/traveler's cheques, passport, cash etc. / wear a money belt. Bandanas can come in handy to wear over the face during a dusty jeep ride, or can be used as a wash cloth.

Other suggestible items to pack include: lip balm, flashlight, notebook and pens, film, spare batteries, a compass, passport photos, multiple forms of identification /keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place/, a small medical kit, and your personal toiletries /including dental floss, which will prove invaluable after a meal of mutton stew/. Once you leave the capital city, supplies become more difficult to find. Countryside shops will have little more than basic food, clothing and household items. Some essentials that are very rare or of poor quality in the countryside include: sun block, sunglasses, medicine/medical supplies, flashlight, batteries, spices, maps, camping gear, camera supplies and any electronic equipment.

• Communications
• Telephone

The international code for Mongolia is 976, and the city code for Ulaanbaatar is 11. Do not use the city code when ringing a mobile phone. Telephone cards for local and international calls are available at the Post Office. Useful telephone numbers:

• Police 102
• Fire 101
• Ambulance 103
• Ulaanbaatar telephone inquires 109
• Airport inquires 198
• Railway inquires 194

• Internet and E mail

    Mongolians are Internet savvy and a few entrepreneurs are learning the value of e-commerce. Internet Cafes are easy to find in Ulaanbaatar and cost about TG 1,1000 per hour. The Internet code for Mongolia is .MN. Hooking your personal computer up to the Internet is simple, as the Internet Service Providers /ISP/ now offer a sort of calling card for the Internet. Many aimag capitals have Internet access at their Post Offices.

• Accomodations

 You can stay at hotels and guesthouses, which are available in the capital city and ger camps (traditional nomadic tent with facilities and restaurants and any other equipment) in the main tourist area. Deluxe, semi-deluxe, first-class and tourist rooms are available at the hotels in Ulaanbaatar and Mongolian Ger at the tourist camp. There are several hotels in the countryside that are mostly designed for domestic rather than international tourists.

• Meals

You may choose variety of food supplies in Mongolia. There are a wide variety of restaurants in Ulaanbaatar serving Mongolian, Chinese, Russian, European, Japanese, Korean and Latin American foods. Most of the larger hotels have bars and pubs.

• Road Transportation

Road transportation is currently major means of transport to and within Mongolia.

• Entertainment

The world classic and national opera, traditional folk concert, ballet and circus are main evening entertainment offered to tourists. Visits to evening entertainment possible during the weekends. As for sport, wrestling matches are held periodically in the Wrestling Palace, and there are professional leagues for soccer (in summer) and basketball (in winter).

• Currency and Banks

The Mongolian national currency is the Tugrik (T or MNT). All major currencies can be exchanged at banks and licensed exchange centers in Ulaanbaatar. Exchange rate MNT 1172=US$1.00 as of February, 2008.

• Customs

 Every tours must full in a customs declaration from which should be retained until departure. This allows the free import and reexport of articles intended for personal use for duration of stay. It is prohibited to import and export.

• ::: guns, weapons and ammunitions without special permission :::
• ::: explosive items :::
• ::: radioactive substance :::
• ::: opium, hashish and other narcotics :::
• ::: pornographic publications :::
• ::: publications, records, films and drawings against Mongolia :::
• ::: research materials, paleontological and archaeological findings, collection of various plants and their seeds, birds, wild and domestic animals, wool, raw skins and hides and furs without permissions of appropriate Mongolian authorities. :::

• Health Requirements

All visitors should ensure that they come to Mongolia with suitable medical insurance.

• Medical Services

Medical services are available everywhere. All necessary expenses connecting with medical treatment have to be paid by patient.

• Time and Electricity

 Local time in Ulaanbaatar is GMT +8 hours. Mongolia observes daylight savings time in the summer months.
The standard voltage in Mongolia is 220 volts/50Hz. Electrical sockets accept two round prongs, similar to those used in Russia and Europe.

• Shopping

 There are many duty free shops where convertible currencies are acceptable. Wide range of goods such as typical Mongolia souvenirs, wines, furs, garments in cashmere, camel wool blankets, national costumes, boots, jewelry, carpets, books records, horns, etc may be bought for foreign currency at favorable prices. In all other local shops Mongolian currency must be used.