Political Overview
Mongolia is a sovereign landlocked nation situated between Russia to the north and China to the south. Since the peaceful democratic revolution of 1990, it has functioned as a parliamentary republic, with a president as head of state and a prime minister leading the government. The State Great Khural (parliament) is unicameral and consists of 76 members elected for four-year terms. Mongolia’s political landscape is characterized by a multi-party system, where the Mongolian People’s Party and the Democratic Party have alternated in power, reflecting a maturing democratic process amid challenges such as economic diversification and anti-corruption efforts.
Cultural Heritage and Identity
Mongolian culture is deeply rooted in its nomadic heritage, where herding livestock across the vast steppe defines both livelihood and worldview. Traditional dwellings called gers (yurts) remain central, symbolizing mobility and harmony with nature. The annual Naadam Festival, celebrated every July, showcases the “three manly sports” of wrestling, horse racing, and archery, embodying values of strength, endurance, and skill that date back to the time of Genghis Khan. Moreover, Mongolia’s throat singing (khöömei), intricate embroidery, and shamanistic traditions highlight a rich tapestry of arts and beliefs preserved over centuries of empire, revolution, and Soviet-era influence.
Geographical Landscape, Area and Climate
Covering approximately 1.56 million square kilometers, Mongolia is the world’s 18th-largest country yet one of the most sparsely populated, with just over three million inhabitants. Its terrain ranges from the Gobi Desert in the south characterized by sand dunes and semi-desert plateaus to the northern and western highlands of the Altai and Khangai Mountains, where elevations exceed 4,000 meters. Mongolia experiences an extreme continental climate: winters can plunge below –40 °C (–40 °F), while summers may soar above 40 °C (104 °F). Sparse rainfall and dramatic temperature swings shape the seasonal rhythms of life and underscore the resilience of both people and ecosystem.
