Interesting things about Mongolia

1. The most sparsely populated country in the world

With a total area of ​​1,564,116 km2, Mongolia is smaller than the US state of Alaska. With a population density of 4 people per square mile, Mongolia is the most sparsely populated country in the world.

2. Capital Ulaanbaatar - the coldest place in the world

The capital Ulaanbaatar (Ulan Bator), located on the banks of the Tuul River, is Mongolia's largest city and the coldest city in the world. Before becoming Ulaanbaatar, the city was known as Urga.

3. Cultural traditions of horse riding and archery

In Mongolia, people still maintain the culture of horse riding, archery and controlling eagles – also known as “sky leaders” in Mongolia. Children living on the steppe around 14-15 years old will be taught how to ride horses and practice archery by older men in the family.

4. Nomadic life since ancient times

Mongolia is now divided into two regions, the modern city of Ulaanbaatar on the country's east coast and the vast nomadic region in the southwest. These vast grasslands have been home to nomads since ancient times, where they graze their livestock and cultivate crops.

5. Gobi Desert - the heart of the country

Gobi Desert – the “heart” of Mongolia. A vast sky opens up right before your eyes with changing colors under the sunlight here. Due to the intermingling of plains, Gobi is divided into many small areas, visitors do not need to worry about getting lost in the dangerous “sea of ​​desert”.

6. The festival dates back to ancient times.

The traditional festival of the Mongolian people dates back to the time of Genghis Khan and is still maintained today. The festival includes many interesting games such as wrestling, horse riding, archery... Don't forget to enjoy Arkhi (also known as Vodka Shimiin Arkhi), a type of alcohol made from fermented yak milk.

7. Genghis Khan Memorial

The Genghis Khan Memorial Complex is located on the steppe about 54 km east of the capital Ulaanbaatar, with a highlight being a statue of the great Mongol emperor riding into battle on horseback.

8. Gandan Khiid Monastery

Gandan Khiid Monastery is one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia, built in 1835. Inside the monastery is a 26m high, 20 ton, gilded and jeweled statue of Magjid Janraisig (Avalokitesvara), a replica of a statue destroyed in 1920. This statue is a contribution from the Mongolian people with the meaning of reviving Buddhism.

9. The number of animals is greater than the number of people.

In Mongolia, there are more animals than people. There are 13 times more horses than people living in the country, and 35 times more sheep than people.

10. Land of Blue Sky

Mongolia is also known as the "Land of Blue Skies" because there are more than 260 sunny days a year. Standing out among the vast green grasslands are the mobile homes of the Mongolian nomads scattered throughout the vast landscape.

11. Heaven of sheep and goat meat and milk

Mongolia is a paradise for lamb and goat meat dishes. Products made from sheep and goat milk such as hot milk, clotted cream, orom… are all delicious and attractive. In the city of Ulaanbaatar, you can eat everything from Asian dishes to fast food… But outside the capital, the main food of Mongolians is meat and milk from two species: sheep and goat!

12. The Silk Road

The Mongols earned a huge income from this legendary route, most of the tolls going straight into their pockets. Genghis Khan not only used this route to trade with Europe but also used it to conquer the world. During his rule over this important route, Mongolia had appropriate policies to maintain and stimulate the development of trade between the two continents of Eurasia.