Mongolia - Useful information for your trip

Mongolia is a country located in eastern Asia. It has no access to the sea.

Mongolia boasts heterogeneous morfological features. It is mainly covered by steppes, but the southern part is identified by the presence of the Gobi desert, while the northwestern one has majestic cold mountains. The country's climate is very rigid, cold and windy during the whole year, except for the summer, when the weather is rather mild and dry, although the wind is always the main feature.

Its flora and fauna are very rich and varied, among the endemic animals there are the Euchoreutes naso, well known as long-eared jerboa, the rare Gobi bear and the Przewalski horses. These latter can be admired in Hustajn Nuruu National Park. In 2002 it was declared biosphere reserve. It is cut by the Tuul river and presents an uncountable number of plant species, such as 459 vascular plants, 85 lichens, 90 mosses and 33 mushroom.

The economy of Mongolia is mainly based on the exploitation of environmental resources, such as oil, coal and copper. Also the agricultural sector is almost developed, it relies on the cultivations of wheat, barley, potatoes, vegetables and tomatoes.

Finally, also tourism is strongly developed. Visitors are attracted by the natural beauties, as well as the rich cultural heritage of Mongolia. The ruins of Karakhorum are very interesting. It was the capital city of the ancient Mongolian Empire. Here, it is possible to admire the first Buddhist monastery of the country, called Erdene Zuu. It is enclosed by bricks and boasts 108 stupas. Also the modern capital city, Ulaan Baatar is worth a visit. It presents large boulevards and open spaces. And of course, the several other monasteries are unmissable spots, as well as the traditional villages with yurtas. They are tents designed with a technological system which allows to endure comfortably the extreme conditions of the weather.