Despite being the 18th-largest country in the world, Mongolia has a population of only about 3.5 million people, nearly half of whom live in the capital, Ulaanbaatar.
Several geographic factors make Mongolia distinct. Its high elevation and northern latitude contribute to cold temperatures, while its inland location (fun fact: the world’s second-largest landlocked country!) far from any ocean, means there is little moderating influence on the climate. As a result, seasonal shifts are dramatic: winters are long, dry and intensely cold, while summers are short but can be warm. This combination creates one of the world’s most extreme continental climates, marked by sweeping open landscapes and strikingly clear blue skies.
Although Mongolia’s climate is harsh, its grasslands provide one major advantage: excellent pasture for livestock. In fact, Mongolia has far more animals than people, with over 58 million livestock compared to a human population of fewer than four million. These animals include sheep, goats, cattle, horses and camels, often referred to as the “five animals” (таван хошуу мал, tavan khoshuu mal).
Livestock supports nearly every aspect of countryside life. Families rely on animals for meat and dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese and airag (fermented mare’s milk). Animal wool, cashmere and hides are used for clothing and insulation. Nothing is wasted as herders use nearly every part of an animal, demonstrating a strong tradition of efficiency and sustainability.
Water is another essential resource.
