MONGOLIA	CULTURE	CURRENCY	CLIMATE
DANGER/CRIME	ECONOMY	ELECTRICITY	FLAG
FOOD	FOREIGN RELATIONS	GEOGRAPHY	GETTING TO MONGOLIA
HEALTH	HOLIDAYS	LANGUAGE	MONGOLIA VISA
MUSIC	NATIONALITY	POLITICAL ADMIN. DIV.	RELIGIOUS
TRAVEL AGENCY	TIME	WHERE TO LIVE?	HISTORY

MONGOLIA: Mongolia is a landlocked country in East and Central Asia. It borders Russia to the north and the People's Republic of China to the south, east and west. Although Mongolia does not share a border with Kazakhstan, its western-most point is only 38 kms (24 mi) from Kazakhstan's eastern tip. Ulaanbaatar, the capital and largest city, is home to about 38% of the population. Mongolia's political system is a parliamentary republic.

The Mongol Empire was founded by Genghis Khan in 1206. After the collapse of the Yuan Dynasty, the Mongols returned to their earlier pattern of constant internal conflict and occasional raids on the Chinese borderlands. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Mongolia came under the influence of Tibetan Buddhism. At the end of the 17th century, most of Mongolia had been incorporated into the area ruled by the Qing Dynasty. During the collapse of the Qing Dynasty in 1911, Mongolia declared independence, but had to struggle until 1921 to firmly establish de-facto independence from the Republic of China, and until 1945 to gain international recognition.

As a consequence, it came under strong Russian and Soviet influence; in 1924, the Mongolian People's Republic was declared, and Mongolian politics began to follow the same patterns as the Soviet politics of the time. After the breakdown of communist regimes in Eastern Europe in late 1989, Mongolia saw its own Democratic Revolution in early 1990, which led to a multi-party system, a new constitution in 1992, and transition to a market economy.

At 1,564,116 square kms (603,909 sq miles), Mongolia is the 19th largest and the most sparsely populated independent country in the world, with a population of around 2.9 million people. It is also the world's second-largest landlocked country after Kazakhstan. The country contains very little arable land, as much of its area is covered by steppes, with mountains to the north and west and the Gobi Desert to the south. Approximately 30% of the population are nomadic or semi-nomadic. The predominant religion in Mongolia is Tibetan Buddhism, and the majority of the state's citizens are of the Mongol ethnicity, though Kazakhs, Tuvans, and other minorities also live in the country, especially in the west. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).

SITUATION: Mongolia is situated in the centre of the continent of Asia Central (between Russia and China) and covers an area of 603, 899 sq. miles (1.566.5100km², about three times the size of France), making it the 18th largest country in the World. Mongolia lies between 87°44'E and 119°56'E Longitude and between 41° 35'-44'N and 52°09'N Latitude in the North of Central Asia.
Latitude: 47° 55' North
Longitude: 106° 53' East .
The average altitude is 1580m (5180ft) above sea level.

CULTURE:  The main festival is Naadam, which has been organised for centuries, consists of three Mongolian traditional sports, archery, horse-racing (over long stretches of open country, not the short racing around a track practiced in the West), and wrestling. Nowadays it is held on July 11 to July 13 in the honour of the anniversaries of the National Democratic Revolution and foundation of the Great Mongol State. Another very popular activity called Shagaa is the "flicking" of sheep ankle bones at a target several feet away, using a flicking motion of the finger to send the small bone flying at targets and trying to knock the target bones off the platform. This contest at Naadam is very popular and develops a serious audience among older Mongolians. In Mongolia, the khoomei (or throat singing), style of music is popular, particularly in parts of Western Mongolia.

The ornate symbol in the leftmost bar of the national flag is a Buddhist icon called Soyombo. It represents the sun, moon, stars, and heavens per standard cosmological symbology abstracted from that seen in traditional thangka paintings. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).

CURRENCY:  The Mongolian currency is the Tugrik (T or MNT) which is available in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000 , 10,000 , and the New Notes 20,000 (since Summer 2006) Tugrik Notes. Coins are beginning to become into circulation and are in denominations of MNT 20, 50, 100 and 200. All notes carry the face of "Chinggis" Khan or Sukhbaatar on them and because of their age, can often look alike. The exchange rate is constantly changing.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Traveler's checks in U.S. dollars are accepted at some hotels and may be converted to dollars or Tugrugs at several banks.
-Credit cards can be used at a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops in Ulaanbaatar.
-Outside of the capital, travelers should have cash.
-Cash advances against credit cards are available at some commercial banks such as Trade and Development Bank of Mongolia, Golomt Bank of Mongolia, Khan Bank, and Xac Bank. Note that most credit card companies will pass on the 3% "foreign currency conversion fee" to you.
-International bank wire transfers are also possible.
-There are a handful of VISA and Maestro/Cirrus ATM machines in Ulaanbaatar, but they do not always function and are not reliable. VISA and Master Card can be used in the ATM machines at the Chinggis Khaan hotel, Ulaanbaatar hotel, Bayangol hotel, Golomt Bank of Mongolia, Trade development bank's headquarters, Trade Development Bank's south of Sukhbaatar Square.
-ATM machines do not exist outside the capital.
-US Dollar travellers' cheques can be cashed easily and converted to Mongolian Togrogs.
-You can transfer money to Mongolia using commercial means such as Western Union or Money Gram.

CLIMATE:  Known as the 'Land of Blue Skies', it has over 260 sunny days each year. The winter is long and cold with temperatures often well below -30 ° Centigrade. Despite these temperatures, the blue winter sky makes it often feel warmer. There is very little snowfall but it and ice can remain for several weeks at a time. The rainy season is from July to September, but the showers are often brief. The summer is a very pleasant time because, although temperatures can reach +40 ° Centigrade, the air is very dry. Summer evenings can be cool because of Mongolia's high altitude. However, July and August are the two wettest months of the year. The season lasting from November to March is cold. The best time to visit the Gobi is June or September as temperatures aren't so hot then.

The Mongolia average monthly temperature and precipitation

Months	Minimum T (°C)	Maximum T (°C)	Average T (°C)	Average Precipitation/ Rainfall (mm)	Wet Days (0.1 mm)	Relative Humidity (%)
January	-32	-19	-26	1	1	73
February	-29	-13	-21	1	1	66
March	-22	-4	-13	2	2	61.0
April	-8	7	-1	5	2	42
May	-2	13	6	10	4	40
June	7	21	14	28	5	44
July	11	22	16	76	10	54
August	8	21	14	51	8	49
September	2	14	8	23	3	43
October	-8	6	-1	5	2	48
November	-20	-6	-13	5	2	57
December	-28	-16	-22	2	1	75

DANGER AND CRIME: Mongolia is a safe place to be. As a visitor you are unlikely to experience any serious problems. However, like anywhere else there are a few things that visitors should be aware of, things that will need extra care and attention. Foreign visitors are targets for a very small minority of thieves.

In general, travelers should be extremely cautious at these specific locations:
-Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar: Tourists arriving at and departing from this airport are frequently targeted for robbery and pick pocketing by organized groups.
-The State Department Store and the Area Around the Circus: Tourists are targeted by organized pick pocket gangs at the entries/exits/elevators of the store and in the areas around the store along Peace Avenue and down to the circus.
-Naran Tuul Black Market (bazaar): Organized criminal groups look for and target foreigners for robbery and pick pocketing.
-Caution is advised when using public transportation or when taking taxis and in crowded public areas, such as open-air markets, the Central Post Office, and the Gandan Monastery.
-Please exercise extreme caution when taking taxis, as there have been several reports of foreigners being robbed and/or assaulted while riding in taxis.
-It is recommended to have the hotel, restaurant, or store make taxi arrangements for you. Also, request that a native speaker write your destination address in Mongolian, since most cab drivers do not speak English.
-Private unmarked cars often act as taxis here; their availability is high, but their consistency of performance, fare, and safety are low. It is not recommended to use unmarked taxis. If you find a cab driver that you like (English speaker, trustworthy, clean car, etc.) request their mobile phone number for future use.
-Crime rises sharply before, during, and after the Naadam Summer Festival in July, throughout the summer tourist season, and during and after Tsagaan Sar, the Winter Festival, in January or February.
-While Mongolia is relatively safe, violent muggings and attacks do occur from time to time. You should avoid going out alone on foot at night. Instead use the taxis to return to your hotel. They are clearly identifiable and inexpensive. Many bars and restaurants will telephone for one for you.
-Valuables should be kept in a money belt and kept underneath your clothing. Be careful about being seen with large amounts of money outside. Being out late at night is not advisable, especially if you are alone. Avoid gers districts and other poorly lit areas. Take a torch with you.

Vodka may be a popular drink in Mongolia which used in many celebrations, but it is also the source of a big alcohol problem. The problems are more serious in Ulaan Baatar and the aimag centres than in the countryside. Drunks tend to me more of an annoyance than a danger. Drunks are easily recognised by a stumbling walk. They tend to be on their own rather than in large groups. If you are approached by a drunk, try to walk away. If they follow, try running - they're unlikely to catch up with you if they've had a lot to drink. If you can find a policeman, all the better. Experience has shown that they are very tough on drunks annoying or threatening foreigners, although the immediate punishment may be something you're not used to.

Dogs, both stray and domestic should be avoided. Many are vicious and some are rabid. This is the case whether you're in a ger district in the city or at a ger in the middle of the countryside.

When it comes to getting train tickets, getting on a bus, walking through a market or entering shops, don't be surprised if you suddenly find an elbow in your side or a kick in the shin. It's not personal. It's the Mongolian Scramble. Go anywhere where there's a lot of people and you'll find out about it. Being polite won't get you very far - nor will getting angry. In Mongolia, do as the Mongolian's do. But don't get carried away!!. If you wish to donate some money, find out about projects that are supporting the city's street children and put a donation to the best possible.

ECONOMY: Economic activity in Mongolia has traditionally been based on herding and agriculture - Mongolia's extensive mineral deposits, however, have attracted foreign investors. The country holds copper, gold, coal, molybdenum, fluorspar, uranium, tin, and tungsten deposits, which account for a large part of foreign direct investment and government revenues. The majority of the population outside urban areas participate in subsistence herding; livestock typically consists of sheep, goats, cattle, horses, and Bactrian camels.

Total livestock population: 26.1 million (sheep: 11.9 million, goats: 9.6 million, horses: 2.2 million, cattle: 2.1 million, camels: 285.200).

Major industries: Copper, livestock, cashmere, wool, meat. Major trading partners: Russia (35%), China (21%), South Korea (12%), Japan (7%), Germany(5%), Hong Kong (4%), and others (16%).

The Oyu Tolgoi mine (Mongolian: Оюу Толгой, also Oyuu Tolgoi, Turquoise Hill): is a combined open pit and underground mining project in Khanbogd sum within the southGobi Desert, approximately 235 kilometres (146 mi) east of the Ömnögovi Province capital Dalanzadgad. The site was discovered in 2001 and is being developed as a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines, Rio Tinto and the Government of Mongolia. The mine is under construction as of 2010 and scheduled to begin production in 2013.

The Oyu Tolgoi mining project is the largest financial undertaking in Mongolia's history and is expected upon completion to account for more than 30% of the country's gross domestic product. Copper production is expected to reach 450,000 tonnes (500,000 short tons) annually. Financing for the project has come in part from the Rio Tinto Group and an investment agreement between Ivanhoe Mines and the government of Mongolia.

The Oyu Tolgoi mine is in the South Gobi Desert of Mongolia, 80 kilometres (50 mi) north of Mongolia's border with the People's Republic of China, where the mined copper is expected to be shipped.[2] The Oyu Tolgoi deposits contain (as of 2010) 79 billion pounds (35,833,000 tonnes) of copper, and 45 million ounces (1,275,000,000 grams) of gold. Production is scheduled to begin in 2013 and to reach full capacity in 2018. Over the anticipated life of mine (45 years), Oyu Tolgoi is scheduled to produce 450,000 tonnes (500,000 short tons) of copper per year, an amount equal to 3% of global production. Oyu Tolgoi is also expected to produce 330,000 ounces of gold annually.From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

GDP - per capita (PPP):
$3,400 (2009 est.)
$3,200 (2008 est.)
$3,000 (2007 est.)

Labor force: 1.068 million (2008)
Unemployment rate: 2.8% (2008 est.) / 3% (2007)
Population below poverty line: 36.1% (2004)

Exports - partners:
China 74%, Canada 9.4%, Russia 3.3% (2008)

Imports:
$3.615 billion (2008 est.)
$2.117 billion (2007)

Imports - commodities:
machinery and equipment, fuel, cars, food products, industrial consumer goods, chemicals, building materials, sugar, tea

Imports - partners:
Russia 34.1%, China 29.1%, South Korea 7.6%, Japan 7.4% (2008)

Debt - external:
$1.6 billion (2008 est.)
$1.438 billion (2007 est.)

ELECTRICITY:  The power supply in Ulaanbaatar is now very reliable and there are only the occasional black-outs. Electricity is 220V, 50Hz. The sockets throughout the country accommodate the European-style 2-pin plugs. In the countryside, the power supply still has frequent interruptions. In many cases this is due to the cost of fuel. Wiring in many places needs updating and so care should be undertaken.

FLAG: The National Flag of Mongolia is red with a vertical blue stripe down the middle. On the left hand red stripe of the flag is a yellow Soyombo. The colors are symbolic. Red is the color of fire symbolizing progress and prosperity while the blue represents; the color of the sky, meaning peace and eternity.

FOOD: Despite what you might hear about food supplies in Mongolia, it's now very simple to have a balanced diet, even if you're a vegetarian. If you're intending to eat out in UB, there are a large number of restaurants serving quality,Chinese, Indian, Korean, Japanese, Italian, English, French, Russian, and of course Mongolian cuisines. There's a mandatory 10% 'government' tax levied in Ulaan Baatar's posher restaurants and hotels. 

Although some of the larger Aimag (provinces) centres will have supplies suitable for foreigners, the Sums will have little more than biscuits and chocolate. The extreme climate here means that many Mongolians, especially those living in the countryside have to eat a lot of protein and fat to keep themselves warm and healthy. Visiting herders in the countryside will inevitably mean that you will be offered a number of meat and dairy products. Even if some of them look unappetizing, you will please your host greatly if only you try a little.

FOREIGN RELATIONS AND MILITARY: Mongolia maintains positive relations and has diplomatic missions with many countries such as Cuba, Russia, the People's Republic of China, North and South Korea, Turkey, France, Germany, Japan, Kazakhstan, and the United States. Mongolia has embassies in Almaty, Ankara, Bangkok, Berlin, Beijing, Brussels, Budapest, Cairo, Canberra, Warsaw, Washington, D.C., Vienna, Vientiane, Havana, Delhi, Kuwait City, London, Moscow, Ottawa, Paris, Prague, Pyongyang, Seoul, Sofia, Stockholm, Tokyo, Hanoi, and Singapore, a consulate in Irkutsk and Ulan-Ude, and diplomatic missions to the United Nations in New York City and in Geneva.

The government has focused a great deal on encouraging foreign investments and trade. Mongolia supported the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and has sent several successive contingents of 103 to 180 troops each to Iraq. About 130 troops are currently deployed in Afghanistan. 200 Mongolian troops are serving in Sierra Leone on a UN mandate to protect the UN's special court set up there, and in July 2009, Mongolia decided to send a battalion to Chad in support of MINURCAT.

From 2005 to 2006, about 40 troops were deployed with the Belgian and Luxembourgish contingent in Kosovo. In 2004, under the Bulgarian chairmanship, The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), invited Mongolia as its newest Asian Partner. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

GEOGRAPHY: Mongolia's geography is very diverse, including high mountains.The Mongol Altai Nuruu are permanently snowcapped, and their highest peak, Tavanbogd Uul (4374m/14,350ft), has a magnificent glacier that towers over Mongolia, Russia and China. Others peaks are Otgon Tenger: 4021m and Mukh Saridag: 3461m. Mongolia's geography is including boundless steppes, vast valleys, rivers (4000, rich in fish), lakes (16 large lakes) and the Gobi desert. The southern third of Mongolia is dominated by the Gobi Desert. Most of the rest of Mongolia is grassland, home to Mongolia's famed takhi horses, which Genghis Khan used so successfully in his wars of conquest.
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Hoh Nuur 518 m
highest point: Tavan Bogd Uul 4,374 m

GETTING TO MONGOLIA: Transport to or from Mongolia is usually by air or train. MIAT Mongolian Airlines (OM) is Mongolia's national airline, based in the capital, Ulan Bator. It operates a domestic route network and international scheduled services from its main base at 'Chinggis'Khaan International Airport. Flights are run by MIAT (Mongolian International Air Transport) to:
Japan: Nagoya (Chubu Central International Airport) [summer only].
Osaka (Kansai International Airport) [summer only].
Tokyo (Narita International Airport).
South Korea: Seoul (Incheon International Airport).
Russia: Moscow (Sheremetyevo International Airport).
China: Beijing (Beijing Capital International Airport).
Hong Kong: Hong Kong International airport
Germany: Berlin (Tegel International Airport).

Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot, Korean Air and Air China are also operating flights. Nature Tours gives you the current flights schedule and real time information on great deals from and to Ulaanbaatar.

International airport: Ulan Bator (ULN) airport is 15km (9 miles) from the city. Taxis are also available (travel time - 45 minutes). Airport facilities include a bank, duty-free shops and a restaurant.

Rail: Ulaanbaatar is linked to the Russian Federation and China by the Trans-Mongolian Railway. An express train runs once a week between Moscow, Ulaan Bataar and Beijing. Trains on international routes have sleeping and restaurant cars. There are also other weekly trains from Ulan Bator to Beijing and Ulaan Bataar to Moscow.

Border crossings are at Erlian-Zamyn-Uud on the Chinese-Mongolian border, and Naushki-Sukhbaatar on the Russian-Mongolian border.

The Mongolian Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor. The standard of driving in Mongolia is poor. There are many fatal accidents. You should wear a seatbelt whenever possible. There are few tarmac roads, especially outside Ulaanbaatar. The maintenance of vehicles is also poor and breakdowns are frequent, which can lead to long delays. You need an International Driving Permit to drive in Mongolia.

HEALTH INFORMATION: No specific vaccinations are required for Mongolia, though there are a few that could prove useful. Medical facilities in Mongolia are very limited and do not meet most Western standards, especially for emergency health care requirements. Many brand-name Western medicines are unavailable. Ulaanbaatar, the capital, has the majority of medical facilities inside the country; outside of Ulaanbaatar, medical facilities and treatment are extremely limited or non-existent. Specialized emergency care for infants and the elderly is not available. Doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate payment in cash for health services. Infectious diseases, such as plague, meningococcal meningitis, and tuberculosis, are present at various times of the year. Sanitation in some restaurants is inadequate, particularly outside of Ulaanbaatar. Stomach illnesses are frequent. Bottled water and other routine precautions are advisable. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation either within Mongolia or to other countries, are extremely expensive and can cost in excess of US $100,000. Evacuation companies will not initiate an evacuation without a fee guarantee beforehand and in full. Please check with your insurance provider before traveling and consider supplemental medical or travel insurance.

-Please note that not all insurance companies provide medical evacuation coverage for Mongolia. Currently, SOS Medica Mongolia, UB International Clinic is the only clinic that maintains a dedicated medical evacuation service in Mongolia. -Tourists are advised to buy mineral water or at least boil their water before using it. Giardia and other water-borne diseases can easily be picked up. Mineral water is in good supply in the capital and many of the Aimag (provinces) centres.

HOLIDAYS:
New Year's Day – January 1st,
Tsagaan Tsar (Lunar New Year) – February 13th-14th,
Mothers' and Children's Day – June 1st,
National Holiday-Naadam – July 11th to July 13th
Independence Day – November 26th.

LANGUAGE: Khalkh Mongol is the official Mongolia language (is a member of the Ural-Altaic family of languages, which includes Finnish, Turkish, Kazak, Uzbek and Korean). Since 1944, the Russian Cyrillic alphabet has been used to write Mongolian. Kazak is spoken by 5% of the population. There are also many Mongolian dialects. The most spoken foreign languages are English, Russian, Chinese, Japanese and Germany.

MONGOLIA VISA: Visas for Mongolia are issued by its consulates and diplomatic missions in foreign countries and by its consular representatives. When travelers arrive at Ulaanbaatar airport border without visas, the immigration officers will issue one entry/exit visa good for 30 days. Nature Tours will arrange to get your visa at the Mongolian Airport upon your arrival (*we need your scanner copy of your valid passport, date, flight number, times of arrival and departure of Mongolia by e-mail and the full payment for visa at Ulaanbaatar airport should be received within 35-25 working days prior your arrival in Mongolia).

Double-Entry Visa: Only the Ministry of External Relations of Mongolia may issue multiple entry/exit visas.

CONSULAR INFORMATION:
The following materials are required to obtain a Mongolian visa:
Valid passport.
One passport sized photo.
Application form.
-Either an invitation of the receiving entity (state, government, non-governmental organization, business entity) or an official request of the sending country and the organization.
-or, for tourists wishing to stay over 30 days up to 90 days, a letter of invitation from a travel agency of Mongolia.
-or, if you are traveling on a personal invitation of a citizen of Mongolia, an invitation approved by the Office of immigration, naturalization and foreign citizens of Mongolia, and applicant's written statement concerning his/her financial credibility to cover his/her stay in Mongolia.
-or, for those passing Mongolia in transit,onward ticket and visa for next destination are required.

MONGOLIAN EMBASSIES

Mongolia Embassy in Almaty g. Almaty ul.Aubakerova 1/1, Embassy of Mongolia, Kazakhstan Tel: 007-3272-200865 Fax: 007-3272-293259 E-mail: monkazel@kazmail.asdc.kz	Mongolia Embassy in Ankara,Turkey Embassy of Mongolia, Koza Sokak-109, G.O.P. / Ankara 06700 Turkey Tel: 0090-312-4467977 Fax: 0090-312-4467791 E-mail: mogolelc@ttnet.net.tr Website: http://web.ttnet.net.tr/mogolelc/
Mongolia Embassy in Bangkok Embassy of Mongolia,100/3 Soi Ekkamai 22, Sukhumvit 63 Road , Klongton-Nua, Wattana Bangkok 10110, TAILAND Tel: 0-2381-1400 Fax: 0-2392-4199 E-Mail: mongemb@loxinfo.co.th	Mongolia Embassy in Beijing,China Embassy of Mongolia, No 2, Xiushui Beijie Jian Guo Men Wai Da Jie, Beijing, China Tel: 0086-10-6532-1810 Fax: 0086-10-6532-5045 E-mail: monembbj@public3.bta.net.cn Website: www.mongolianembchina.org.cn Timing: The Visa Office is open every weekday from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.
Mongolia Embassy in Berlin, Germany Botschaft der Mongolei, Dietzgen Str.31 13156 Berlin, Deutschland Tel: +49 (30) 474 80 60 Fax: +49 (30) 474 80 616 E-mail: mongolbot@aol.com	Mongolia Embassy in Brussels,Belgium Ambassade de Mongolie, Avenue Besme 18, 1190, Foret Bruxelles, Belgique Tel: 0032-2-3446974 Fax: 0032-2-3443215 E-mail: brussels.mn.embassy@chello.be
Mongolia Embassy in Budapest Hungary 1022 Budapest, Bogar Utca 14/cMongol Nagykovetsege Tel: 0036-1-2124579 Fax: 0036-1-2125731 E-mail: mnk@mail.datanet.hu	Mongolia Embassy in Cairo,Egypt Embassy of Mongolia, No.14, Str-152 MAADI, Cairo, Egypt Tel: 00202-359 16 70 , 00202- 3591674 Fax: 00202-3586012 E-mail: intouch@link.net
Mongolia Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam Embassy of Mongolia, 39, Tran phu str.Hanoi, Vietnam Tel: 0084-4-8453009 Fax: 0084-4-8454954 E-mail: mongembhanoi@hn.vnn.vn	Mongolia Embassy in Havana, Cuba Embajada de Mongolia, Calle 66 No 505 Esguina a 5 ta-A Miramar, Havana Cuba Tel: 0053-7-2042763 Fax: 0053-7-2040639 E-mail: monelch@ceniai.inf.cu
Embassy in London, United Kingdom Mongolian Embassy, 7 Kensington Court, London W8 5DL, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 7937 0150 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7937 1117 E-mail: office@embassyofmongolia.co.uk	Embassy in Moscow, Russia Moscow 121069, ul.Borisoglebsky Per. 11, Embassy of Mongolia, Russia Tel: 007-095-290-6792 Fax: 007-095-291-4636 E-mail: mongolia@online.ru
Embassy in New Delhi, India Embassy of Mongolia, 34, Archbishop Makarious Marg, New Delhi 110003 India Tel: 0091-11-4631728, 4717989 Fax: 0091-11-4633240 E-mail: mongemb@vsnl.net	Mongolia Embassy in Ottawa, Canada 151 Slater Street, Suite 503, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5H3, Canada Tel: 001-(613) 569-3830 Fax: 001-(613) 569-3916 E-mail: mail@mongolembassy.org Website: http://www.mongolembassy.org/
Mongolia Embassy in Paris, France Ambassade de Mongolie, 5, Avenue Robert Schuman, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, Paris, France Tel: 0033-1-46052318 Fax: 0033-1-46053016 E-mail: esyam@ambassademongolie.fr	Mongolia Embassy in Prague Velvyslanectvi Mongolska, Na Marne 5,Praha-6, 160000 Ceska Republika Tel: 00420-2-24311198 Fax: 00420-2-24314827 E-mail: monemb@bohem-net.cz
Mongolia Embassy in Seoul, South Korea 33-5 Hannam-Dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, ROK Tel: 0082-2-7983464 Fax: 0082-2-7947605 E-mail: mongol5@kornet.net	Mongolia Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria Sofia 1113, ul.Frederic Jolio Curie 52, Tel: 00359-2-665929 Fax: 00359-2-9630745 E-Mail: mongemb@mbox.infotel.bg
Mongolia Embassy in Tokyo, Japan Embassy of Mongolia, 21-4 Kamiyama Cho Shibuya Ku, Tokyo 150-0047, Japan Tel: 0081-03-34-69-2088 Fax: 0081-03-34-69-2216 E-mail: embmong@gol.com	Mongolia Embassy in Vienna, Austria Charge d'affaires Mr. D.Moonontsagaan Botschaft der Mongolei, Teinfaltstr. 3/6, 1010. Wien. Autria Tel: 0043-1-535 3013 Fax: 0043-1-535 3016 E-mail: office@embassymon.at
Mongolia Embassy in Warsaw, Poland Ambasada Mongolii 00478 Warszawa, Polska , ul.Rejtana 15 m.16 Tel: 0048-22-8499391 Fax: 0048-22-8499391 E-mail: mongamb@ikp.atm.com.pl	Mongolia Embassy in Washington, USA Embassy of Mongolia, 2833 M street, N.W. Washington D.C.20007, USA Tel: 001-202-333-7117 Fax: 001-202-298-9227 E-mail: esyam@mongolianembassy.us Website: http://www.mongolianembassy.us/
Permanent Mission to UN in New-York 6 East 77th street, New-York, N.Y.10021,USA Tel: 001-212-7373874 Fax: 001-212-8619460 E-mail: mongolia@un.int Website: http://www.un.int/mongolia	Permanent Mission in Geneva Mission Permanente de la Mongolie 4 Chemin des Mollies 1293 Bellevue Suisse Tel: 0041-22-7741974 Fax: 0041-22-7743201 E-mail: mongolia@ties.itu.int

MONGOLIAN CONSULATES

Honorary Consul of Mongolia Scotland Scotland - Mr. Robyn M. Murray Balhearty House Coalsnaughton Tillicoultry Clackmannanshire FK13 6NA Tel: 0 1259 752 343, Mob: 07803 952213	Honorary Consul of Mongolia for Ireland Ireland - Consul Mr.Ernest F Crossen M.A. Ard Aoibhinn Knockmaroon Hill Chapelizod, Dublin 20, Ireland Tel: +353 1 626 4008 Mob: (+353) 086 2573564
RUSSIA in Irkutsk Consul General Mr. Yo.Adilbish Irkutsk, St. Lapina-11, Consulate Generalof Mongolia Tel: 007-3952-342145 Fax: 007-3952-342143 E-mail: irconsul@angara.ru	RUSSIA in Ulaan-Ude Consul General Mr. N.Mishigdorj Ulaan-Ude, St.Erbanova-12, Baikal Hotel Consulate General of Mongolia Tel: 007-301-2215275 Fax: 007-301-2214188 E-mail: mnc@burnet.ru
Kyzyl Consul Mr. D.Puntsag Tel: 007-39422-10430 Fax: 007-39422-10445	CHINA in Huh hot Consul General Mr. S.Chuluunbaatar Zhongguo Huhe Haote, Xincheng gu Wulanziagu 5 hao, Lou Menggu Lingshiguang Tel: 0086-471-4303254 Fax: 0086-471-4303250 E-mail: monconhh@public.hh.nm.cn
CHINA in Erlian Consul General Mr. Ch.Dawadash Erlian fandian 308, Hao fangjian, Ereen Haote, China Tel: 0086-479-7521538 ext:2307 Fax: 0086-479-7522194	Mongolian Consulate in New Zealand: Honorary Consul is Mr. Peter Allport. -Consulate office Address: 86 Kings Crescent, Lower Hutt 5010, New Zealand. -Office hours: Monday and Wednesday, 10:00am to 3:00pm. -Contacts are: Fax: 64-4-5666293; -Email: MongolianConsulate.NZ@alpega.com

LIST OF COUNTRIES AND REGIONS WITH NON-VISA REGIME FOR ALL TYPES OF PASSPORT HOLDERS:
Cuba - no need for visa for a visit not exceeding one month.
Hong Kong - 14 days for all type of passports. There is no visa fee for diplomatic and official passports. Ordinary passport holders pay visa fee if they travel for more than 14 days.
Israel - 30 days for all type of passports.
Kazakhstan - 90 days for all type of passports.
Singapore - 14 days for all type of passports.
USA -no need a visa for a visit not exceeding three months
Malaysia - no need a visa for a visit not exceeding one month, for all type of passports.
Singapore - no need a visa for a visit not exceeding two weeks
India - requirement of Mongolian visa without visa fee.

MUSIC: Musician playing the traditional Mongolian musical instrument Morin Khuur. The music of Mongolia is strongly influenced by nature, nomadism, shamanism, and also Tibetan Buddhism. The traditional music includes a variety of instruments, famously the morin khuur, and also the singing styles like the urtyn duu ("long song"), and throat-singing (khoomei). The "tsam" is danced to keep away evil spirits and it was seen the reminiscences of shamaning. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).

NATIONALITY:
noun: Mongolian(s)
adjective: Mongolian
Ethnic groups: Mongol 90%, Kazakh 4%, Chinese 2%, Russian 2%, other 2%

POLITICAL ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS: The territory of Mongolia is divided into 21 aimags (or provinces)-with four independent municipalities: Ulaan Bataar (the Mongolia capital city is a very dark at night!), Darkhan-Uul (included Darkhan city), Orkhon (included Erdenet city), Gov-Sumber (included the free trade zone town of Choir).The aimags are further divided into a total of 310 sums, or districts. The territory of Ulan Bator capital is 1,815 sq. miles (4,700km²) with 9 districts. Ulan Bator was founded in 1639. Population of Ulan Bator: 812, 500. Mongolian Population: 2,767,038 (July 2010.)
Infant mortality rate: 66.34 deaths/1,000 live births (1998 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 61.46 years
male: 59.4 years
female: 63.61 years (1998 est.)

RELIGIOUS: Tibetan Buddhist, Muslim, Shamanism and Christians.

TRAVEL AGENCY: Nature Tours is a fully licensed Mongolian Tourist Company. Established in 1992.

TIME DIFFERENCE: Mongolia is GMT + 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time in winter and 9 hours ahead in summer. Mongolia still puts forward its clocks by 1 hour in the summer months. The three western aimags of Mongolia , Uvs, Bayan Ulgii and Khovd are one hour behind Ulaanbaatar and the rest of Mongolia, GMT+7. UTC is Coordinated Universal Time, GMT is Greenwich Mean Time.

WHERE TO LIVE?: The standards of accommodation vary widely between Ulaanbaatar and the countryside.

In Ulaanbaatar city: There are now a large number of hotels within the capital with expensive prices between US$100.00 and US$240.00 or more. The quality of the facilities, services and food generally increases in price. You can find easy several 4* hotels and 3* hotels. Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar city known to be very expensive, our vision is to set a hallmark of quality service and offer affordable accommodation to make life easy for foreigners, backpackers and travellers visiting or traveling in Mongolia. Choose from Ulaanbaatar Hotels that have been selected to meet our high standards, while getting the best rates available.

In the countryside: There a few hotels of generally a poorer standard in the Aimag (province) centres, although most tourists will stay in specially constructed ger camps. These camps provide accommodation in the round felt houses used by nomads and usually have separate toilet, washing and restaurant facilities. Tourists can camp virtually where they like although they are advised to stay away from settlements. Laws also prohibit camping within certain zones of protected areas. Welcome to Khogno Khan Camp -For More information, please click here.

HISTORY: Mongolia, since prehistoric times, has been inhabited by nomads who, from time to time, formed great confederations that rose to prominence. The first of these, the Xiongnu, were brought together to form a confederation by Modu Shanyu in 209 BC. Soon they emerged as the greatest threat to the Qin Dynasty, forcing the latter to construct the Great Wall of China, itself being guarded by up to almost 300,000 soldiers during marshal Meng Tian's tenure, as a means of defense against the destructive Xiongnu raids.

After the decline of the Xiongnu, the Rouran, a close relative of the Mongols, came to power before being defeated by the Gokturks, who then dominated Mongolia for centuries. During the 7th and 8th centuries, they were succeeded by Uyghurs and then by the Khitans and Jurchens. By the 10th century, the country was divided into numerous tribes linked through transient alliances and involved in the old patterns of internal strife.

The Mongol Empire: In the chaos of the late 12th century, a chieftain named Temujin finally succeeded in uniting the Mongol tribes between Manchuria and the Altai Mountains. In 1206, he took the title Genghis Khan, and waged a series of military campaigns - renowned for their brutality and ferocity - sweeping through much of Asia, and forming the Mongol Empire, the largest contiguous land empire in world history. Under his successors it stretched from present-day Poland in the west to Korea in the east, and from Siberia in the north to the Gulf of Oman and Vietnam in the south, covering some 33,000,000 square kilometers (13,000,000 sq mi), (22% of Earth's total land area) and having a population of over 100 million people.

After Genghis Khan's death, the empire was subdivided into four kingdoms or Khanates which eventually became quasi-independent after Mongke's death in 1259. One of the khanates, the 'Great Khaanate', consisting of the Mongol homeland and China, became the Yuan Dynasty under Kublai Khan, the grandson of Genghis Khan. He set up his capital in present day Beijing but after more than a century of power, the Yuan was replaced by the Ming Dynasty in 1368, with the Mongol court fleeing to the north. As the Ming armies pursued the Mongols into their homeland, they successfully sacked and destroyed the Mongol capital Karakorum among other cities, wiping out the cultural progress that was achieved during the imperial period and thus throwing Mongolia back to anarchy. On the trail of Marco Polo covers some travel through the Mongol Empire in the time of Genghis' grandson, Kublai Khan.

The next centuries were marked by violent power struggles between various factions, notably the Genghisids and the non-Genghisid Oirads and numerous Chinese invasions (like the five expeditions led by the Yongle Emperor). In the early 15th century, the Oirads under Esen Tayisi gained the upper hand, and even raided China in 1449 in a conflict over Esen's right to pay tribute, capturing the Chinese emperor in the process. However, Esen was murdered in 1454, and the Borjigids recovered.

Batumongke Dayan Khan and his khatun Mandukhai reunited the entire Mongols in the early 16th century. In the mid-16th century, Altan Khan of the Tümed, a grandson of Batumöngke - but no legitimate Khan himself - became powerful. He founded Hohhot in 1557 and his meeting with the Dalai Lama in 1578 sparked the second introduction of Tibetan Buddhism to Mongolia. Abtai Khan of the Khalkha converted to buddhism and founded the Erdene Zuu monastery in 1585. His grandson Zanabazar became the first Jebtsundamba Khutughtu in 1640.

The last Mongol Khan was Ligden Khan in the early 17th century. He got into conflicts with the Manchu over the looting of Chinese cities, and managed to alienate most Mongol tribes. He died in 1634 on his way to Tibet, in an attempt to evade the Manchu and destroy the Yellow Hat sect of Buddhism. By 1636, most Inner Mongolian tribes had submitted to the Manchu.

The Khalkha eventually submitted to the Qing in 1691, thus bringing all but the west of today's Mongolia under Beijing's rule. After several wars, the Dzungars were virtually annihilated in 1757–58.

Until 1911, the Manchu maintained control of Mongolia with a series of alliances and intermarriages, as well as military and economic measures. Ambans, Manchu 'high officials', were installed in Khüree, Uliastai, and Khovd, and the country was subdivided into ever more feudal and ecclesiastical fiefdoms. Over the course of the 19th century, the feudal lords attached more importance to representation and less importance to the responsibilities towards their subjects. The behaviour of Mongolia's nobility, together with the usurious practices of the Chinese traders and the collection of imperial taxes in silver instead of animals, resulted in poverty becoming ever more rampant.

Independence: With the fall of the Qing Dynasty, Mongolia under the Bogd Khaan declared independence in 1911. However, the equally newly established Republic of China claimed Mongolia as part of its own territory. The area controlled by the Bogd Khaan was approximately that of the former Outer Mongolia. The 49 hoshuns of Inner Mongolia as well as the Mongolians of the Alashan and Qinghai regions expressed their willingness to join the new country, but to no avail. In 1919, after the October Revolution in Russia, Chinese troops led by Xu Shuzheng occupied Mongolia.

However, as a result of the Russian Civil War, the White Russian adventurer Baron Ungern led his troops into Mongolia in October 1920, defeating the Chinese in Niislel Khüree (Ulaanbaatar) in early February 1921. In order to eliminate the threat posed by Ungern, Bolshevik Russia decided to support the establishment of a communist Mongolian government and army. This Mongolian army took the Mongolian part of Kyakhta from the Chinese on March 18, 1921, and on July 6 Russian and Mongolian troops arrived in Khüree. Mongolia's independence was declared once again on July 11, 1921. These events led to Mongolia's close alignment with the Soviet Union over the next seven decades.

Mongolian People's Republic: In 1924, after the death of the religious leader and king Bogd Khan, a Mongolian People's Republic was proclaimed with support from the Soviet Union.

In 1928, Khorloogiin Choibalsan rose to power. He instituted collectivisation of livestock, the destruction of Buddhist monasteries and the Mongolia's enemies of the people persecution resulting in the murder of monks and other people. In Mongolia during the 1920s, approximately one third of the male population were monks. By the beginning of the 20th century about 750 monasteries were functioning in Mongolia. The Stalinist purges in Mongolia beginning in 1937, affected the Republic as it left more than 30,000 people dead. Japanese imperialism became even more alarming after the invasion of neighboring Manchuria in 1931. During the Soviet-Japanese Border War of 1939, the Soviet Union successfully defended

Mongolia against Japanese expansionism: In August 1945 Mongolian forces also took part in the Soviet Manchurian Strategic Offensive Operation in Inner Mongolia. The Soviet threat of seizing parts of Inner Mongolia induced China to recognize Outer Mongolia's independence, provided that a referendum was held. The referendum took place on October 20, 1945, with (according to official numbers) 100% of the electorate voting for independence. After the establishment of the People's Republic of China, both countries confirmed their mutual recognition on October 6, 1949.

In January 26, 1952, Yumjaagiin Tsedenbal took power. In 1956 and again in 1962, Choibalsan's personality cult was condemned at the ruling Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee plenums. Mongolia continued to align itself closely with the Soviet Union, especially after the Sino-Soviet split of the late 1950s. In the 1980s, an estimated 55,000 Soviet troops were based in Mongolia. While Tsedenbal was visiting Moscow in August 1984, his severe illness prompted the parliament to announce his retirement and replace him with Jambyn Batmönkh.

Democratic revolution: The introduction of perestroika and glasnost in the USSR strongly influenced Mongolian politics leading to the peaceful Democratic Revolution and the introduction of a multi-party system and market economy. A new constitution was introduced in 1992, and the "People's Republic" was dropped from the country's name MONGOLIA. The transition to market economy was often rocky, the early 1990s saw high inflation and food shortages. The first election wins for non-communist parties came in 1993 (presidential elections) and 1996 (parliamentary elections).The signing of the Oyu Tolgoi mine contract is considered a major milestone in modern Mongolian history. The Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party renamed itself the Mongolian People's Party in 2010 (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).