POPULATION
Despite its vast territorial size, population density is among the lowest in the world: much of the territory consists of steppes and sparsely populated mountainous areas.
About half of the Mongolians live in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, while the rest maintain a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle, deeply rooted in pastoral traditions.
CAPITAL
The capital of Mongolia is Ulaanbaatar (or Ulan Bator), located in the north-central part of the country, at an altitude of about 1,350 meters. It is Mongolia’s main political, economic and cultural center, with a fascinating mix of modernity and tradition: skyscrapers and shopping malls coexist alongside Buddhist monasteries, local markets and gher quarters (typical nomadic tents).
Among the city’s highlights: the Gandan Monastery, Sükhbaatar Square, the National Museum of Mongolia, and the equestrian statue of Genghis Khan, a symbol of national identity.
CLIMATE
Mongolia’s climate is extreme continental, characterized by large temperature ranges between day and night and between seasons.
– Summer (June-August): warm, sunny days with temperatures that can exceed 30°C in central and southern areas.
– Winter (November-March): very harsh, with temperatures that can drop as low as -30°C, especially in northern regions.
– Spring and autumn: short but pleasant, with mild temperatures and clear skies, ideal for travel.
The dry climate and clear skies mean that Mongolia is known as the “land of the blue sky,” with more than 250 days of sunshine a year.
RATING
The official currency is the Mongolian Tögrög (MNT).
Convert Mongolian Tögrög to Swiss Franc..
SPOKEN LANGUAGES.
– Mongolian: official and by far the most widely spoken language.
– Russian: understood by the older population, a legacy of the Soviet era.
– English: increasingly spoken by the younger generation and in the Sectors of tourism and commerce.
– Kazakh: minority language found in the western regions.
RELIGION
The predominant religion in Mongolia is Tibetan Buddhism, practiced by about half the population.
Alongside it are deep-rooted shamanic traditions, especially in rural areas, which coexist peacefully with Buddhism. Small Christian and Muslim communities are also present, mainly in urban areas and among ethnic minorities.
ART
Mongolian art is a reflection of the country’s nomadic soul and its thousand-year history.
– Architecture: Buddhist monasteries, Tibetan-style temples, and historic palaces such as Bogd Khan’s Winter Palace in Ulaanbaatar.
– Handicrafts: felt rugs, camel and yak wool fabrics, silver jewelry, and traditional musical instruments such as the morin khuur (horse-head fiddle).
– Music and dance: famous are the guttural khoomei songs and ritual dances performed during folk festivals.
– Painting: thangkas (religious paintings on cloth) represent one of the highest expressions of Mongolian Buddhist spirituality.
CULTURE
Mongolian culture is deeply connected to nomadic life, nature and hospitality
– Family and society: the family is the focus of daily life, and interpersonal relationships are marked by respect and solidarity.
– Clothing: Traditional clothes, called deel, are colorful silk or wool tunics worn with cloth belts.
– Festivals: the most important is the Naadam Festival (July), which celebrates the “three-man sports”: wrestling, horse racing and archery. Other significant anniversaries include Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) and Buddhist holidays.
– Hospitality: Mongolians welcome guests with great generosity; it is customary to offer airag (fermented mare’s milk) or salted tea with milk, symbols of welcome and respect.
FOOD
Mongolian cuisine reflects steppe life and harsh climate, with hearty meat and dairy dishes.
Typical dishes:
– Buuz: steamed dumplings filled with mutton or beef.
– Khuushuur: meat fritters similar to empanadas, fried and very popular during Naadam.
– Boodog: goat or marmot cooked entirely with hot stones inserted inside the animal, typical of nomadic tradition.
– Tsuivan: stir-fried noodles with meat and vegetables.
Beverages:
Airag: fermented mare’s milk, national drink.
Suutei Tsai: salted milk tea, served daily in each gher.
Mongolian cuisine is simple but authentic, a direct expression of the deep connection between man and nature.