Mongolia on the map: geography, climate, attractions

Mongolia is a country in East Asia.

Mongolia is a state in East Asia, located on the continent and bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south. It is landlocked. The territory of Mongolia stretches on a plateau at an altitude of 900 to 1,500 meters above sea level. Its total length from north to south is 1,260 kilometers and from west to east is 2,400 kilometers.

Mountains, plains, and rivers

Mountain ranges and ridges rise above the plateau of Mongolia, with the highest being the Mongolian Altai, which stretches for 900 kilometers in the west and southwest of the country. To the east are picturesque plains, while to the south are hilly deserts. The rivers flowing through Mongolia originate in Siberia and the Far East, and they flow into the thousands of lakes located here.

Climate distortion

The climate of Mongolia is sharply continental, with frosty and low-snow winters and warm, relatively humid summers. The average relative humidity is 30-40% across the country. In the capital, which is located roughly in the middle between the mountain ranges in the northwest and the arid desert zone in the southeast, temperatures can range from -25 to -35 °C in winter to +25 to +35 °C in summer. Most of the country is characterized by significant temperature fluctuations depending on the time of day.

Population and capital

Mongolia is a country with an area of 1,564,116 square kilometers and a population of over 3.4 million people. More than 94% of the population are Khalkha Mongols, while the rest are Turks (mainly Kazakhs), Chinese, and Russians. The capital of Mongolia is Ulaanbaatar. The official language is Mongolian, but some residents also speak Russian or Chinese.

Currency, GDP, and passport index

The currency of Mongolia is the Mongolian tugrik, and the GDP per capita is approximately $4,185 in 2021. In the passport index, Mongolia ranks 66th in the world, which means that locals can visit countries such as Cuba, Israel, Thailand, the Dominican Republic, Armenia, and Georgia without a visa.

Requirements for Russian citizens

Russians planning to visit Mongolia for no more than 30 days do not require a visa. However, the total period of stay without a visa should not exceed 90 days within six months, starting from the date of first entry. Certain documents are required to enter the country.

Welcome to Mongolia: where to start

Before traveling to Mongolia, it is important to consider several key factors. Your passport must be valid for at least six months. Upon arrival in the country, you will need to fill out a health declaration form.

Delivery methods to Mongolia

Mongolia offers various delivery options. The country has four international airports, but the most convenient way to reach the capital, Ulaanbaatar, is by air travel. You can find direct flights from Moscow on Aeroflot and MIAT Mongolian Airlines, as well as from Irkutsk with Aero Mongolia and MIAT Mongolian Airlines. There are also flights from Yakutsk operated by Yakutia. If you prefer a longer and more scenic journey, you can choose the Moscow - Ulaanbaatar or Moscow - Beijing trains, which pass through the Mongolian capital. An alternative is a road trip by car or motorcycle, but this requires a high-clearance vehicle ready for off-road conditions. For bus enthusiasts, there is a minibus route from Ulaanbaatar to Ulan-Ude.

Registration of residence permit

Traveling to Mongolia may be time-limited, but the country offers around 50 types of residence permits and visas, including for work, study, business, investment, family circumstances, and more. To obtain such residence permits, it is necessary to have a valid reason, which local authorities will verify. Russian citizens can contact the migration authorities of Mongolia and apply for a temporary stay in the country. It is noted that it is important to enter the country legally, find an address for registration, including a hotel address, and pay the fee for processing residence permits. After obtaining residence permits, one can open an account with a Mongolian bank.

Explore Mongolia: attractions

Mongolia impresses with its numerous attractions. In the city of Ulaanbaatar, you can visit various museums, see the Bell of Peace in the central square, and explore the khan's residence adorned with sculptures of the 21 manifestations of the goddess Tara. An exciting panoramic view of the city can be enjoyed from the Zaisan Memorial.

The Zaisan Memorial Complex in Ulaanbaatar: beauty and historical significance

The Zaisan Memorial Complex in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, is known for its beauty and historical significance. A must-see is Dulun Boldog, a village near Gandan Hill, the small homeland of Genghis Khan, the Great Khan. Here you can see one of the largest monuments dedicated to the Great Khan. In addition, not far from here are the ruins of Karakorum, the capital of the Mongol Empire. In the 16th century, the Erdeni-Dzu temple, one of the largest monasteries in the country, was built in this area.

The history of the Erdene-Zuu temple and its preservation

In the past, during the 20th century, at the height of anti-religious propaganda and the struggle against religious leaders, the monastery was destroyed, but now some parts of it have been preserved, such as the outer wall and three small buildings. Currently, services are held in the Lavrin temple, and the museum provides information about the founder of Karakorum and the Mongol Empire, as well as his descendants, the Chinggisids. Erdene Zuu and the entire territory of Karakorum along the Orkhon River valley were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004.

Options for accommodation in Ulaanbaatar

In Ulaanbaatar, there are various accommodation options: from high-class hotels with excellent conditions and high levels of service to simpler hostels and guesthouses. Cozy hotels with average service can be found in all cities along the main transport route from Ulaanbaatar to Altai. In larger settlements, there are usually hotels with 10-20 rooms. In hotels near Ulaanbaatar, the staff speaks English, while along the Chuysky Tract, they speak Russian.

Unusual accommodation options in Mongolia

If you prefer unconventional accommodation options, in Mongolia you can stay in a yurt at an ethnic camp or in a local resident's house in a village. Each of these options varies in comfort level, and you can choose what best suits your preferences.

Public transport and fare payment

As for public transport in Ulaanbaatar, there are trolleybuses, buses, and minibuses. However, it is often overcrowded and there are traffic jams, and the condition of the vehicle fleet leaves much to be desired. Most of the vehicles are used and have been purchased from neighboring countries. Nevertheless, there is a fare payment system using smart cards.

The richness of Mongolia's cultural heritage

Overall, Mongolia is an amazing country with a rich cultural heritage and beautiful sights.

Tourism and car rental in Mongolia

When visiting Ulaanbaatar and other cities in Mongolia, tourists are increasingly choosing to rent a car for convenient travel around the country. In addition to the capital, cars can be rented in cities such as Murun, Darkhan, Sainshand, Erdenet, and Dalanzadgad.

Communication in Mongolia

Telecommunications operators in Mongolia provide quality services. The most well-known among them are Mobicom, Unitel, G-Mobile, and Skytel. Communication in the capital and its surroundings, as well as along the Kyakhta – Sukhbaatar – Ulaanbaatar route and in rural areas, is quite stable. However, in some remote areas of the country, there may be issues with connectivity, even when using satellite phones. Travelers may encounter limitations and a temporary digital detox.

Education in Mongolia

Education in Mongolia is accessible to everyone who wishes to pursue it. Secondary education is free and lasts for 12 years, starting from September 1, 2008. In the cities of Mongolia, children attend schools and return home after classes. In remote rural areas, boarding schools in district centers are often used. Instruction is conducted in Mongolian, but there are also Russian schools available.

In addition to secondary education, there are many universities in Mongolia, both in the humanities and technical fields. The overwhelming majority of universities are private and offer paid education. One of the most well-known public universities in Mongolia is the Medical University.

Medical care in Mongolia

The medical system in Mongolia is quite developed and provides healthcare services. The main focus is on the needs of local residents and the characteristic local diseases. There are a limited number of medical facilities for foreigners, but they are sufficient to provide necessary assistance. Both state and private clinics operate in the country. Emergency medical care is provided for free, but further treatment will require payment. In Ulaanbaatar, there is a paid hospital at the Russian embassy. Private clinics offer a wide range of medical services, including surgery, dentistry, ophthalmology, gynecology, cosmetology, massage, and laboratory tests. A distinctive feature of medicine in Mongolia is the widespread use of alternative treatment methods, such as acupuncture, manual therapy, thermal procedures, herbal medicine, and kumis therapy.

Mongolian doctors and their Russian language level

In most cases, Mongolian doctors have a good command of the Russian language, as they received their education either in Russia or during the existence of the Soviet Union.

In 1991, the Great People's Khural decided to change the name of the country, and after the new constitution came into effect in 1992, the Mongolian People's Republic was renamed Mongolia.

Currently, it is a parliamentary republic, headed by a president who is elected for a term of four years.

Mongolia's international relations

Mongolia is a member of a large number of international organizations, including the UN, OSCE, WTO, IMF, and ASEM.

She has established diplomatic relations with 181 member states of the UN.

History and status of Mongolia

The country takes pride in its rich history and honors Genghis Khan; however, it currently adopts a peaceful stance and holds the status of permanent neutrality, which was declared at the UN forum in 2015.

In the capital there is a monument of Genghis Khan, symbolizing his greatness.

The economic situation and natural resources

Mongolia was a socialist country in the past, but it has successfully integrated into the modern global capitalist system.

A significant role in this was played by its natural resources, especially the wealth of the underground world.

In the 1990s, the raw materials market was actively developing here, and the mining industry became the foundation of economic growth.

Mineral reserves are estimated to be in the trillions of dollars.

Development of the light industry and IT

At the same time, Mongolia is paying great attention to the development of light industry, energy, infrastructure, IT, and agriculture.

The latter includes both traditional livestock farming and modern farms.

In 2015, a free trade agreement was signed with Japan.

Special attention should be paid to the IT sector and, specifically, to mining, which is taking an increasingly important place in the GDP structure.

Mongolia is favorable for this type of activity due to its climatic features and cheap electricity.

As a result, this could lead to a significant increase in revenue.

Over the past 20 years, gross income per capita has increased 14 times.

According to the World Bank classification, Mongolia is classified as a middle-income country, which is higher than the per capita income of many CIS countries.

Over the past decade, Mongolia has ranked among the top countries in the world for economic growth, with an average GDP growth rate surpassing that of many other Asian nations.

Mongolia: the best country for business?

In 2020, Mongolia ranked 81st among the 190 best countries for business in the ratings. Over the past 10 years, Mongolian households have tripled their incomes. Although considering inflation, these results are not as impressive, they are still positive - at 59%.

Development of tourism in Mongolia

Despite the pandemic, Mongolia is actively developing tourism. Every year more and more tourists visit the country. In 2019, 577.3 thousand tourists visited Mongolia, which is 9.1% more than in 2018. Revenues from the tourism sector increased by 10.2%. One of the most popular events for tourists is the festival of traditional costumes in Mongolia.

Features of life in Mongolia

Most of Mongolia's territory consists of steppes where livestock farming is practiced. Traditional Mongolian housing, yurts, is common not only in rural areas, where 90% of all residences are yurts, but also in the capital. At the same time, Mongolia is also seeing the development of multi-apartment buildings, especially in the premium segment. The construction boom in recent years in Ulaanbaatar has led to a shortage of affordable options in the market, resulting in rising prices. The average purchase price of apartments has increased by 20%, and the cost per square meter in the center of Ulaanbaatar exceeds $1000.

Real estate in Mongolia

Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the capital of Mongolia varies depending on the area and the quality of the property, starting from $200 per month. To search for listings for buying and renting real estate in Mongolia, it is recommended to use the main classifieds site - unegui.mn.

Conclusion

Mongolia is a mysterious and beautiful country in East Asia that amazes with its contrasts and the richness of nature. It attracts with its majestic mountains, endless expanses of steppe, and unique culture steeped in the spirit of ancient times. Spread across a plateau high above sea level, Mongolia is surrounded by picturesque landscapes where mountains and steppes, rivers and lakes alternate. Here, every traveler will find something for themselves: whether it's the unique experience of living in a yurt with nomads, exploring the ancient ruins of Karakorum, or immersing oneself in the cultural heritage of local monasteries. The rich and diverse tourist experience, along with the friendliness and hospitality of the Mongolian people, will forever remain in the hearts of those who choose to visit this amazing country. In Mongolia, I learned about ancient traditions, appreciated the power and beauty of nature, and recharged with the energy of this remarkable land. Strolling through the capital, Ulaanbaatar, I felt the pulse of modern life, and visiting the Gandan Monastery and standing next to the monumental statue of Genghis Khan, the grandeur of the history of the Mongol Empire unfolded before me. I visited the distant lakes and met the hospitable residents of small settlements, who shared their way of life with me. Mongolia is not only a unique country with a rich cultural heritage but also a rapidly developing economy that opens new opportunities in business and investment. Steady GDP growth, active infrastructure development, and prospects in the IT sector make Mongolia an attractive place for business and innovation. Mongolia left an indelible impression on me, and I am sure that anyone who decides to embark on this journey will undoubtedly find their adventure here, one that will be remembered for a long time. The openness and hospitality of the Mongolian people, the unique colorfulness, and the extraordinary nature all make Mongolia an unforgettable country that one wants to return to again and again.