Mongolia is a far-flung, little visited destination, with much to offer in terms of scenery, wildlife, and historic and cultural sites. Outside the main cities, Mongolians continue to live the traditional life of malchin (herdsmen), and many are nomadic. With one of the world’s lowest population densities, Mongolia’s vast areas of wilderness, desert, lakes and mountains offer plenty of scope for adventurous outdoor enthusiasts. Although independent travel is now becoming more common, travel outside the capital is usually by prior
arrangement.
eneral Information
Area
1,564,116 sq km (603,909 sq miles).
Population
3 million (CIA estimate 2007).
Population Density
1.9 per sq km.
Capital
Ulaanbaatar. Population: 869,900 (2004).
Government
Republic. Declared independence from China in 1921.
Language
Khalkh Mongolian is the official language. Kazakh is spoken by 5% of the population. There are also many Mongolian dialects.
Religion
Buddhist Lamaism is the main religion, although there is no state religion.
Time
Social Conventions
Religious customs should be respected. Mongolia has a large number of customs and traditions. Further details can be obtained
from the Mongolian Tourism Association (see Contact Addresses). Visitors are requested to familiarise themselves with these customs.
Photography: Not permitted in temples and monasteries. A fee is payable for photography in protected areas, although this regulation is
often not enforced. Caution should be exercised when photographing government buildings, military establishments and border
crossings.
Overview 
