(Mongolia, Монгол улс, Mongol uls, Mongγol ulus)

General Information:

Location: Central & East Asia
Capital: Ulan Bator
Language(s): Mongolians
Population: 3,329,111
Total Area: 1,564,116 sq km
Currency: Mongolian Togrog
Curious Alcohol Fact: There is a popular alcoholic drink called airag and is made from the milk of a mare!
>>>>Annual Average Liquor Consumption Per Capita: 1.73 liters
Most Popular Drink(s): Mongolian tea (suutei tsai) – best enjoyed with our Mongolia shot glass souvenirs

Mongolia Travel Video

Video Courtesy: The Travelist

The Country

With a population of less than three million spread over an area of more than 1.5 million square kilometers, Mongolia is the most sparsely populated nation in the world. Unsurprisingly, ethnic Mongols (majority of whom are the Khalkhas) make up more than 80%f the population. Apart from these people, there are some other ethnic groups such as the Uzbeks, Kazakhs, Tuvans, Russian, Chinese and Buryats.

A considerable percentage of Mongolians lead nomadic or seminomadic lives. The most widely used language in the country is Mongolian (or Khalkha Mongolian), which is spoken and understood by a majority of the population. Other languages spoken in the country include Russian, English and Chinese. In terms of religion, around half of Mongolians adhere to Tibetan Buddhism while other faiths are Islam, Christianity and traditional Shamanism.

The People

With a population of less than three million spread over an area of more than 1.5 million square kilometers, Mongolia is the most sparsely populated nation in the world. Unsurprisingly, ethnic Mongols (majority of whom are the Khalkhas) make up more than 80%f the population.

Apart from these people, there are some other ethnic groups such as the Uzbeks, Kazakhs, Tuvans, Russian, Chinese and Buryats. A considerable percentage of Mongolians lead nomadic or seminomadic lives. The most widely used language in the country is Mongolian (or Khalkha Mongolian), which is spoken and understood by a majority of the population.

Other languages spoken in the country include Russian, English and Chinese. In terms of religion, around half of Mongolians adhere to Tibetan Buddhism while other faiths are Islam, Christianity and traditional Shamanism.

Eating

As many of the people lead nomadic lives, mutton and beef are common components of the Mongolian diet. There is one spectacular meal called budog and the preparation is as enthralling as is the taste. The dish is made from a goat (whole) which is smoked. It is then cooked from the inside with the use of hot rocks. There is also another meal called the khorogh and is made from the pieces and bits of meat. Dairy products such as yoghurt butter, cheese and milk are quite common.

Drinking

In many of the settlements, milk collected from horses is fermented and made into an alcoholic drink called airag. In addition to this, Mongolians consume copious amounts of tea and in some other places, vodkas are freely available. Beers and other alcoholic brands imported from Russia and other nations are sold in bars and restaurants, especially in the capital city of Ulan Bator.

Places to Visit

Although the country looks more like a vast and lifeless desert, you should not be deceived as this is a land of beauty and grandeur. If you are a lover of deserts, you can try out the Gobi Desert in the southern part of the country. You also have to witness or even participate in a summer festival called Naadam, which is always colorful and rambustious. At this festival, there are various activities such as archery, local games, horseracing and even wrestling for which the Mongolians are known and adored for all across the globe.

Sports

Like many of the other countries I visited in the region, traditional sports are quite popular and these include archery, horseracing and wrestling (a type specific to Mongolia). Other sports in the country include football, basketball, tennis and sumo wrestling. The Naadam sports festival is one of the most interesting events in the country featuring all the traditional sports.

Interesting Facts

Mongolia is the most sparsely populated country on the planet.
The country is the ancestral homeland of the legendary Genghis Khan.
The country is also one of the largest in the world, being among the first 20.

Mongolia souvenirs

Moreover, Mongolia has several iconic symbols and landmarks. It has always been and remains one of the most popular places to purchase souvenirs. However, among the many options of Mongolia-themed souvenirs, shot glasses are considered particularly and intriguing items for collecting or gifting.

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Special thanks to our contributors:
Adebayo Ahmed Adebola (Ilorin, Nigeria).