- Alternative meaning: Mongolia (region)
Mongolia (Khalkha
Mongolian: Монгол
Улс) is a landlocked country in Asia, bordered by Russia to the north and the People's Republic of China to the south. It is almost
as big as Alaska, with less than 1% arable land.
History
Main article: History of Mongolia
In the 13th century, Mongolia was part of the Mongol Empire. After a century of power, the Mongol Empire fell and Mongolia
became two outer provinces of China, Outer Mongolia and Inner Mongolia. The former
declared its independence from China in 1921, but an independent government was not formed
until 1924, when the Mongolian People's Republic was set up with Soviet support.
During World War II, the USSR defended Mongolia against Japan. The MPR was recognized by both the Republic of China and People's Republic of China following the war, but it aligned with the Soviets following the
Sino-Soviet split of 1958
and housed many Soviet military bases during the Cold War. Mongolia joined the
United Nations in 1961.
In 1990, the Communist Party relinquished control over the government, paving the way
for a new constitution in 1992 that abolished the People's Republic and created a hybrid
parliamentary/presidential state.
Politics
Main article: Politics of Mongolia
The predominant party in Mongolia is the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party or MPRP, which was formed by Mongolia's
communist leaders after the end of the Cold War. The main opposition party is the Democratic
Party or DP, which controlled a governing coalition from 1996 to 2000.
The state employs a dual
executive system with an elected president as head of state and a
prime minister as head of government. The legislature, or
State Great Hural, has
one chamber with 76 seats.
Aimags
Main article: Aimags of Mongolia
- Arkhangai
- Bayan Olgiy
- Bayankhongor
- Bulgan
- Gobi-Altai
- Govisumber
- Darkhan-Uul
- Dornogobi
- Dornod
- Dundgobi
- Zavkhan
- Orkhon
- Uvurkhangai
- Umnugobi
- Sukhbaatar
- Selenge
- Tuv
- Uvs
- Hovd
- Huvsgul
- Hentii
- Ulaanbaatar
Geography
Map of Mongolia
Main article: Geography of Mongolia
The Mongolian heartland consists of relatively flat steppes. The southern portion of the country is taken up by the Gobi Desert, while the northern and western portions are mountainous.
Most of the country is hot in the summer and extremely cold in the winter, with temperatures dropping as low as -30°C
(-22°F).
Economy
Main article: Economy of Mongolia
Mongolia's economy is centered on oil, coal, and
copper, with smaller industries in molybdenum, tungsten, and phosphate mining. Following decades of state-run enterprise, the economy has undergone an often-painful
transition to capitalism. There are currently over 10,000 independent
businesses in Mongolia, chiefly centered around the capital city. Outside the cities, most Mongolians engage in sustenance
herding.
GDP per capita is about $1,780. Although GDP has risen steadily since 2002, the state is still working to overcome a sizable
trade deficit and a massive ($11 billion) foreign debt to Russia. Mongolia joined the World Trade Organization in 1997 and now exports
cashmere and food products to Russia, China, Japan, and other countries.
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of
Mongolia
Most Mongolians are Mongol in descent: there are also smaller populations of
Kazakh and Tungusic people. The predominant religion is Tibetan
Buddhism. Like many developing countries, Mongolia suffers from a young and very rapidly growing population, which has put
great strains on its economy.
Culture
Main article: Culture of Mongolia
See also: Music of Mongolia
Miscellaneous topics
- Communications in Mongolia
- Transportation in Mongolia
- Military of Mongolia
- Foreign relations of Mongolia
- Public holidays in Mongolia
External links
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