The worlds largest and most thinly populated landlocked country, Mongolia has a reputation for isolation. Its deserts, severe climate and widely scattered population of nomadic pastoralists have tended to shut it off from modern life. Historically, however, it had its hour of glory. In the thirteenth century the Mongol tribes were united under Ghengis Khan (1162-1227), who then established the largest empire the world has ever known, extending from Eastern Europe to the Pacific and into northern India. The Mongol Empire collapsed in 1386, after which Mongolia (known as Outer Mongolia to distinguish it from Inner Mongolia, one of China’s Autonomous Regions) fell under Chinese control. Following the Russian Civil War (1918-1922) the Chinese were expelled. Today, after 70 yrs within the Soviet system, the country is trying to remake itself in a more democratic mould.
The country divides into two regioins. In the northwest lies the Mongolian Altai Mountains, along with the Hangayn and Hentiyn ranges. Here, high mountains alternate with river valleys and lakes. Pastures support large herds of cattle and sheep, and wheat is cultivated. At the highest levels of the Altai in the northwest boreal forests cover the slopes. The second region is the southern half of the country. This is semi desert steppe changing further south to saltpans, shallow depressions and the arid stony wastes of the Gobi Desert.
While more people today live in towns than in the countryside, Mongolia remains a land of nomadic pastoralists Herds of goats, sheep, yaks, camels and horsed still provide the base of the traditional economy, and Mongolia has the highest number of livestock per capita in the world (more than New Zealand). Cattle raising accounts for more than two-thirds of all production. Under the Soviets textiles and food processing were developed.
The country remains very poor, undeveloped and reliant on foreign aid. So far, funds have not become available to develop the considerable oil and gas reserves. |
