Geographic location and various facts. Climate of Mongolia

Mongolia is located in Central Asia. The country has an area of ​​1,564,116 km2, three times the size of France. Basically it is a plateau, elevated to a height of 900-1500 m above sea level. Above this plateau rises a series of mountain ranges and ranges. The highest of them is the Mongolian Altai, which stretches in the west and southwest of the country for a distance of 900 km. Its continuation is the lower ranges that do not form a single massif, which received the common name Gobi Altai.

Along the border with Siberia in the north-west of Mongolia there are several ranges that do not form a single massif: Khan Khukhei, Ulan Taiga, Eastern Sayan, in the north-east - the Khentei mountain range, in the central part of Mongolia - the Khangai massif, which is divided into several independent ranges.

To the east and south of Ulaanbaatar towards the border with China, the height of the Mongolian plateau gradually decreases, and it turns into plains - flat and even in the east, hilly in the south. The south, southwest, and southeast of Mongolia is occupied by the Gobi Desert, which continues into north-central China. According to the landscape features of the Gobi - the desert is by no means homogeneous, it consists of sections of sandy, rocky, covered with small fragments of stones, even for many kilometers and hilly, different in color - the Mongols distinguish especially the Yellow, Red and Black Gobi. Surface water sources are very rare here, but the level groundwater high.

Mountains of Mongolia

Ridge of the Mongolian Altai. The highest mountain range of Mongolia, located in the North-West of the country. The main part of the ridge is elevated by 3000-4000 meters above sea level and stretches to the southeast of the country from the western border with Russia to eastern regions Gobi. The Altai Range is conditionally divided into the Mongolian and Gobi Altai (Gobi-Altai). The area of ​​the Altai mountainous region is huge - about 248,940 square kilometers.

Tavan-Bogdo-Ula. The highest point of the Mongolian Altai. The height above sea level of the top of Mount Nayramdal is 4374 meters. This mountain range is located at the junction of the borders of Mongolia, Russia and China. The name Tavan-Bogdo-Ula is translated from the Mongolian language as "five sacred peaks". For a long time, the white glacial peaks of the Tavan-Bogdo-Ula mountain range have been revered as sacred by the Mongols, Altaians and Kazakhs. The mountain consists of five snow-capped peaks, with the largest area of ​​glaciation in the Mongolian Altai. Three large glaciers Potanin, Przhevalsky, Grane and many small glaciers feed the rivers that go to China - the Kanas and Aksu rivers, and the tributary of the Khovd river - Tsagaan-gol that goes to Mongolia.

Khukh-Sereh Ridge is a mountain range on the border of Bayan-Ulgiy and Khovd aimags. The ridge forms a mountain junction connecting the main ridge of the Mongolian Altai with its mountain spurs - the peaks of Tsast (4208 m.) and Tsambagarav (4149 m.). The snow line passes at an altitude of 3700-3800 meters. The ridge is rounded by the Buyant River, which is born from numerous springs at the eastern foot.

The Khan Khukhiy Ridge - the mountains separating the most large lake UVS in the basin of the Great Lakes from the lakes of the Khyargas system (lakes Khyargas, Khar-Us, Khar, Durgun). The northern slopes of the Khan-Khukhi Range are covered with forest, in contrast to the southern mountain-steppe slopes. The highest peak Duulga-Ul lies at an altitude of 2928 meters above sea level. The mountain range is young and growing rapidly. A huge 120-kilometer seismic crack runs next to it - the result of an 11-point earthquake. Bursts of earth waves one after another rise along the crack to a height of about 3 meters.

Statistical indicators of Mongolia
(as of 2012)

Mount Tsambagarav. A powerful mountain range with the highest height of 4206 meters above sea level (Cast peak). Near the foot of the mountain is the valley of the Khovd River, not far from its confluence with Lake Khar-Us. On the territory of the somon, located at the foot of Mount Tsambagarav, live mainly Olet Mongols, descendants of numerous once Dzhungar tribes. According to the Oletov legend, once a man named Tsamba climbed to the top of the mountain and disappeared. Now they call the mountain Tsambagarav, which is translated into Russian: "Tsamba came out, ascended."

Rivers and lakes of Mongolia

The rivers of Mongolia are born in the mountains. Most of them are the upper reaches of the great rivers of Siberia and Far East carrying their waters towards the Arctic and Pacific oceans. The largest rivers of the country are the Selenga (within the borders of Mongolia - 600 km), Kerulen (1100 km), Tesiin-Gol (568 km), Onon (300 km), Khalkhin-gol, Kobdo-Gol, etc. The most full-flowing is the Selenga. It originates from one of the Khangai ranges, receives several large tributaries - Orkhon, Khanuy-gol, Chulutyn-gol, Delger-Muren, etc. Its flow rate is from 1.5 to 3 m per second. In any weather, its fast cold waters, flowing in clay-sandy shores, and therefore always muddy, have a dark gray color. Selenga freezes for half a year, the average ice thickness is from 1 to 1.5 m. It has two floods a year: spring (snow) and summer (rain). Average depth at the lowest water level - at least 2 m. Having left the borders of Mongolia, the Selenga flows through the territory of Buryatia and flows into Baikal.

Rivers in the western and southwestern parts of the country, flowing down from the mountains, fall into intermountain basins, have no outlet to the ocean and, as a rule, end their journey in one of the lakes.

Mongolia has over a thousand permanent lakes and a much larger number of temporary lakes that form during the rainy season and disappear during the drought. In the early Quaternary period, a significant part of the territory of Mongolia was an inland sea, which later divided into several large reservoirs. The current lakes are what is left of them. The largest of them are located in the basin of the Great Lakes in the north-west of the country - Ubsu-nur, Khara-Us-nur, Khirgis-nur, their depth does not exceed several meters. In the east of the country there are lakes Buyr-nur and Khukh-nur. In a giant tectonic basin in the north of Khangai, there is Lake Khubsugul (depth up to 238 m), similar to Baikal in terms of water composition, relict flora and fauna.

Climate of Mongolia

The high ridges of Central Asia, encircling Mongolia almost from all sides with powerful barriers, isolate it from the humid air currents of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, which creates a sharp continental climate. It is characterized by the predominance sunny days, especially in winter, significant dryness of the air, low rainfall, sharp temperature fluctuations, not only annual, but also daily. The temperature during the day can sometimes fluctuate between 20-30 degrees Celsius.

The coldest month of the year is January. In some regions of the country, the temperature drops to -45 ... 50 ° С.

The hottest month is July. average temperature air during this period in most of the territory + 20 ° С, in the south up to + 25 ° С. Maximum values temperatures in the Gobi Desert during this period can reach +45…58°C.

The average annual rainfall is 200–250 mm. 80–90% of the total annual precipitation falls within five months, from May to September. The maximum amount of precipitation (up to 600 mm) falls in the Khentii and Altai aimags and near Lake Khuvsgul. The minimum precipitation (about 100 mm per year) falls on the Gobi.

The winds are strongest in spring. In the Gobi regions, winds often lead to the formation of storms and reach enormous destructive force - 15–25 m/s. A wind of such strength can rip off yurts and carry them away for several kilometers, tear tents to shreds.

Mongolia is characterized by a number of exceptional physical and geographical phenomena, within its boundaries are:

• center of world maximum winter atmospheric pressure
• the world's southernmost permafrost distribution belt on a flat terrain (47 ° N).
• in Western Mongolia, in the basin of the Great Lakes, there is the northernmost desert distribution zone on the globe (50.5 ° N)
• The Gobi desert is the most abruptly continental place on the planet. In summer, the air temperature can rise to +58 °С, in winter it can drop to -45 °С.

Spring in Mongolia comes after a very cold winter. The days were getting longer and the nights were getting shorter. Spring is the time for the snow to melt and the animals to come out of hibernation. Spring begins in mid-March, usually lasting about 60 days, although it can be as long as 70 days or as much as 45 days in some areas of the country. For people and livestock, this is also the season of the driest and windiest days. In the spring, dust storms are not uncommon, not only in the south, but also in the central regions of the country. Leaving the house of a resident, they try to close the windows, as dust storms come suddenly (and pass just as quickly).

Summer is the warmest season in Mongolia. The best season to travel in Mongolia. Precipitation is higher than in spring and autumn. Rivers and lakes are the most full-flowing. However, if the summer is very dry, then closer to autumn the rivers become very shallow. The beginning of summer is the most beautiful time of the year. The steppe is green (the grass has not yet burned out from the sun), livestock is gaining weight and fat. In Mongolia, summer lasts approximately 110 days from late May to September. The hottest month is July. The average air temperature during this period in most of the territory is +20°С, in the south up to +25°С. The maximum temperatures in the Gobi Desert during this period can reach +45…58°С.

Autumn in Mongolia is the season of transition from hot summers to cold and dry winters. There is less rain in autumn. Gradually it becomes cooler and vegetables and grains are harvested at this time. Pastures and forests turn yellow. The flies are dying and the livestock are fat and fuzzy in preparation for the winter. Autumn is an important season in Mongolia to prepare for winter; gathering crops, vegetables and fodder; training in the size of their sheds cattle and awnings; preparing firewood and heating them at home and so on. Autumn lasts approximately 60 days from early September to early November. The end of summer and the beginning of autumn is a very favorable season for travel. However, it must be borne in mind that snow can fall in early September, but within 1-2 it will completely melt.

In Mongolia, winter is the coldest and longest season. In winter, the temperature drops so much that all rivers, lakes, streams and reservoirs freeze. Many rivers freeze almost to the bottom. It is snowing all over the country, but the cover is not very significant. Winter begins in early November and lasts approximately 110 days until March. It sometimes snows in September and November, but heavy snow usually falls in early November (December). In general, compared to Russia, there is very little snow. Winter in Ulaanbaatar is more dusty than snowy. Although with climate change on the planet it is noted that in winter more snow began to fall in Mongolia. And heavy snowfalls are a real natural disaster for pastoralists (dzud).

The coldest month of the year is January. In some regions of the country, the temperature drops to -45 ... 50 (C.). It should be noted that the cold in Mongolia is much easier to bear due to dry air. For example: a temperature of -20°C in Ulaanbaatar is also transferred as -10°C in the central part of Russia.

Flora of Mongolia

The vegetation of Mongolia is very diverse and is a mixture of mountain, steppe and desert with inclusions of the Siberian taiga in northern regions. Under the influence of the mountainous relief, the latitudinal zonality of the vegetation cover is replaced by a vertical one, so deserts can be found next to forests. Forests along the slopes of the mountains are far to the south, in the vicinity of dry steppes, and deserts and semi-deserts are along plains and hollows far to the north. The natural vegetation of Mongolia corresponds to the local climatic conditions. The mountains in the northwestern part of the country are covered with forests of larch, pine, cedar, and various deciduous tree species. There are magnificent pastures in wide intermountain basins. The river valleys have fertile soil, and the rivers themselves abound in fish.

As you move to the southeast, with a decrease in altitude, the density of vegetation gradually decreases and reaches the level of the Gobi desert region, where only in spring and early summer do some types of grasses and shrubs appear. The vegetation of the north and northeast of Mongolia is incomparably richer, since these areas with higher mountains account for a larger amount of precipitation. In general, the composition of the flora and fauna of Mongolia is very diverse. The nature of Mongolia is beautiful and diverse. In the direction from north to south, six natural belts and zones are successively replaced here. The high-altitude belt is located to the north and west of Lake Khubsugul, on the Khentei and Khangai ridges, in the mountains of the Mongolian Altai. The mountain-taiga belt passes in the same place, below the alpine meadows. The zone of mountain steppes and forests in the Khangai-Khentei mountainous region is the most favorable for human life and is the most developed in terms of the development of agriculture. The largest in size is the steppe zone with its variety of grasses and wild cereals, most suitable for cattle breeding. In the floodplains of the rivers, water meadows are not uncommon.

Currently, 2823 species of vascular plants from 662 genera and 128 families, 445 species of bryophytes, 930 species of lichens (133 genera, 39 families), 900 species of fungi (136 genera, 28 families), 1236 species of algae (221 genera, 60 families). Among them, 845 kinds of medicinal herbs are used in Mongolian medicine, 68 kinds of soil strengthening and 120 kinds of edible plants. There are now 128 species of herbs listed as endangered and endangered and listed in the Red Book of Mongolia.

The Mongolian fora can be conditionally divided into three ecosystems: - grass and shrubs (52% of the earth's surface), forests (15%) and desert vegetation (32%). Cultural crops make up less than 1% of the territory of Mongolia. Flora of Mongolia is very rich in medicinal and fruit plants. In the valleys and in the undergrowth of deciduous forests there are a lot of bird cherry, mountain ash, barberry, hawthorn, currant, wild rose. Such valuable medicinal plants as juniper, gentian, celandine, sea buckthorn are common. Mongolian Adonis (Altan Khundag) and Rose Radiola (golden ginseng) are especially valued. In 2009, a record harvest of sea buckthorn was harvested. Today, private companies grow berries in Mongolia on an area of ​​1,500 hectares.

Animal world of Mongolia

The vast territory, the diversity of landscape, soil, flora and climatic zones create favorable conditions for the habitat of a variety of animals. Rich and varied animal world Mongolia. Like its vegetation, the fauna of Mongolia is a mixture of species from the northern taiga of Siberia, the steppes and deserts of Central Asia.

The fauna includes 138 species of mammals, 436 birds, 8 amphibians, 22 reptiles, 13,000 species of insects, 75 species of fish and numerous invertebrates. Mongolia has a great variety and abundance of game animals, among which there are many valuable fur and other animals. Sable, lynx, deer, deer, musk deer, elk, roe deer are found in the forests; in the steppes - tarbagan, wolf, fox and dzeren antelope; in the deserts - kulan, wild cat, goitered antelope and saiga, wild camel. In the Gobi mountains, mountain sheep argali, goats and a large predatory leopard are common. Irbis, Snow Leopard in the recent past it was widely distributed in the mountains of Mongolia, now it mainly lives in the Gobi Altai, and its number has decreased to up to a thousand individuals. Mongolia is the land of birds. Demoiselle crane is a common bird here. Large flocks of cranes often gather right on paved roads. Turpans, eagles, and vultures can often be observed close to the road. Geese, ducks, waders, cormorants, various herons and giant colonies different types gulls - silver, black-headed gull (which is listed in the Red Book in Russia), lacustrine, several species of terns - all this biodiversity amazes even experienced ornithologists-researchers.

According to the defenders natural resources, endangered 28 species of mammals. The more commonly known species are the wild ass, wild camel, Gobi mountain sheep, Gobi bear (mazalai), ibex and black-tailed gazelle; others include otters, wolves, antelopes, and tarbagans. There are 59 species of endangered birds, including many species of hawk, falcon, buzzard, eagles and owls. Despite the Mongolian belief that it is bad luck to kill an eagle, some species of eagles are endangered. Border Guard Service Mongolia is constantly thwarted attempts to bring falcons from Mongolia to the country Persian Gulf where they are used for sports.

But there are also positive aspects. Finally, the number of wild horses has been restored. Takhi - known in Russia as Przewalski's horse - was virtually destroyed in the 1960s. It has been successfully reintroduced into two national parks after an extensive breeding program overseas. In the mountainous areas, approximately 1000 snow leopards. They are hunted for their skin (which is also part of some shamanistic rites).

Every year the government sells licenses to hunt protected animals. Per year, licenses are sold for shooting 300 wild goats, 40 mountain sheep (as a result, receiving up to half a million dollars to the treasury. This money is used to restore wild animal populations in Mongolia).

Population of Mongolia

According to the preliminary results of the population and housing census, held on November 11-17, 2010 nationwide, there are 714,784 families in Mongolia, that is, two million 650 thousand 673 people. This does not include the number of citizens who registered via the Internet and through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia (i.e., those living outside the country), and also does not take into account the number of military personnel, suspects and prisoners under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Defense.

Population density - 1.7 people / sq. km. Ethnic composition: 85% of the country are Mongols, 7% are Kazakhs, 4.6% are Durvuds, 3.4% are representatives of other ethnic groups. According to the forecast of the National Statistical Office of Mongolia, the population of the country by 2018 will reach 3 million people.

Source - http://ru.wikipedia.org/
http://www.legendtour.ru/

It is characterized by the predominance of sunny days, especially in winter, significant dryness of the air, a small amount precipitation, sharp temperature fluctuations, not only annual, but also daily. The temperature during the day can sometimes fluctuate between 20-30 degrees Celsius.

The coldest month of the year January. In some parts of the country the temperature drops to -45…50°С.

The hottest month July

Average annual rainfall 200-250 mm. 80-90% of the total annual precipitation falls within five months, from May to September. The maximum amount of precipitation (up to 600 mm) falls in the Khentii and Altai aimags and near Lake Khuvsgul. The minimum precipitation (about 100 mm per year) falls on the Gobi.

The winds are strongest in spring. AT Gobi regions winds often lead to the formation of storms and reach an enormous destructive force - 15-25 m / s. A wind of such strength can rip off yurts and carry them away for several kilometers, tear tents to shreds.

For Mongolia a number of exceptional physical and geographical phenomena are characteristic, within its limits are:

Center of world maximum winter atmospheric pressure

The world's southernmost permafrost belt on a flat terrain (47°N).

In Western Mongolia basin of the Great Lakes the northernmost desert distribution zone on the globe is located (50.5 ° N)

The Gobi Desert is the most abruptly continental place on the planet. In summer, the air temperature can rise to +58 °С, in winter it can drop to -45 °С.

SPRING IN MONGOLIA

Comes after a very cold winter. The days were getting longer and the nights were getting shorter. Spring is the time for the snow to melt and the animals to come out of hibernation. Spring begins in mid-March, usually lasting about 60 days, although it can be as long as 70 days or as much as 45 days in some areas of the country.

For people and livestock, this is also the season of the driest and windiest days. In the spring, dust storms are not uncommon, not only in the south, but also in the central regions of the country. Leaving the house of a resident, they try to close the windows, as dust storms come suddenly (and pass just as quickly).

Summer- the warmest season in Mongolia. The best season to travel in Mongolia. Precipitation is higher than in spring and autumn. Rivers and lakes are the most full-flowing. However, if the summer is very dry, then closer to autumn the rivers become very shallow.

The beginning of summer is the most beautiful time of the year. The steppe is green (the grass has not yet burned out from the sun), livestock is gaining weight and fat. In Mongolia, summer lasts approximately 110 days from late May to September.

The hottest month July. The average air temperature during this period in most of the territory is +20°С, in the south up to +25°С. The maximum temperatures in the Gobi Desert during this period can reach +45…58°C.

AUTUMN IN MONGOLIA

- season of transition from hot summer to cold and dry winter. There is less rain in autumn. Gradually it becomes cooler and vegetables and grains are harvested at this time. Pastures and forests turn yellow. The flies are dying and the livestock are fat and fuzzy in preparation for the winter.

Autumn- an important season in Mongolia to prepare for the winter; gathering crops, vegetables and fodder; preparation to the extent of their cattle sheds and sheds; preparing firewood and heating them at home and so on. Autumn lasts approximately 60 days from early September to early November.

The end of summer and the beginning of autumn is a very favorable season for travel. However, it must be borne in mind that snow can fall in early September, but within 1-2 it will completely melt.

AT Mongolia, winter is the coldest and longest season. In winter, the temperature drops so much that all rivers, lakes, channels and reservoirs are frozen. Many rivers freeze almost to the bottom. It is snowing all over the country, but not heavy.

Winter starts in early November and lasts approximately 110 days until March. It sometimes snows in September and November, but heavy snow usually occurs in early November (December). In general, compared to Russia, there is very little snow.

Winter in Ulaanbaatar is more dusty than snowy. Although with climate change on the planet it is noted that in winter more snow began to fall in Mongolia. And heavy snowfalls are a real natural disaster for pastoralists (dzud).

The coldest month of the year January. In some regions of the country, the temperature drops to -45 ... 50 (C.). It should be noted that the cold in Mongolia is much easier to bear due to dry air. For example: a temperature of -20°C in Ulaanbaatar is also transferred as -10°C in the central part of Russia.

The weather in Mongolia will not be to everyone's liking, as the continental climate dominates the entire country. Which is characterized by: a sharp change in weather during the season, as well as strong temperature fluctuations within a day. The Mongolian climate is famous for its harsh, dry winters and humid, warm summers.

A strong wind is an integral sign of Mongolia, it blows all year round. However, in the spring, its gusts intensify, raising sand and dust to the skies, turning into a “karaburan” (the so-called black storm).

January in Mongolia is considered to be the most severe month of the year. Indeed, on a January day, the air temperature is usually 15-20 degrees below zero, and at night it drops to 30-40 degrees below zero. In the Gobi desert, the weather is generally raging at night and there is a terrible cold.

The thermometer at this time of day drops to minus 50 degrees. However, it is worth noting that the cold in Mongolia (because the air is dry) is much easier to bear. For example, twenty-degree frost in Ulaanbaatar feels about the same as -10°C here.

July- the hottest month of the year. The July sun of Mongolia generously warms the air up to +20…+26 degrees Celsius, and during a short summer night it only manages to cool down to +12…+15 degrees. But in the Gobi Desert, heat reigns. The 40-degree July heat literally incinerates this part of the country.

Mongolia is not for nothing called the "country blue sky". After all, 250 days a year there are clear and sunny. And the reason for the sunny weather is the high mountains that surround this power and do not allow it to enter its territory. wet air blowing from the oceans (Pacific and Atlantic).

On average, the weather is dry and only 220 mm of precipitation falls annually in Mongolia. (a little) Every year in the mountains there is about 500 mm of rain and snow. And in Ulaanbaatar - the capital of the country - about 250 mm, on the Mongolian plains - up to 100 mm.

It is noteworthy that in the Gobi desert it is only 50 mm. The main part of precipitation, heavy rains, falls on the so-called "wet season", which begins in May and ends in September.

Weather in Mongolia in spring

Spring comes in Mongolia, usually in mid-March and lasts an average of 60 days. But, depending on weather conditions, these terms can vary from 45 to 70 days. At this time, nature wakes up: everything around blooms and pleases with a variety of colors, filling the air with its aroma.

Spring - good time to visit Mongolia. However, in the south, in the center of the country, dust storms occur in spring. They swoop in quite suddenly, pass quickly, but can do a lot of trouble.

Wind with a speed of 15–25 m/s. has colossal destructive power: it rips off the roofs of houses, knocks out glass in the windows, overturns yurts, breaks and takes things for several kilometers, or even more.

Weather in Mongolia in summer - travel season

Summer is the warmest and, perhaps, best season for a trip to Mongolia. It is interesting that in June the steppe is emerald green (because the grass has not yet had time to burn out), livestock graze peacefully and gain weight.

Because of the abundance of rain, the rivers are then the most full-flowing and beautiful. The Mongolian folk festival Nadam, which is held in July, is traditionally celebrated with a variety of sports competitions. This is a truly colorful sight that deserves the attention of tourists.

The summer period lasts approximately 110 days - namely from the second half of May to the beginning of September.

weather in autumn

Mongolian autumn is a transitional season from warm and rainy summers to very dry winters. As for autumn, this is the time to harvest vegetables, grain crops, as well as the time to prepare firewood for the winter. Autumn is short and lasts only 60 days from the first of September to the beginning of November.

It is worth noting that the best travel season in Mongolia is precisely the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. Although the first snow in the country may fall as early as September, but after 1-2 days there will be no trace of it.

Weather in Mongolia in winter

Winter is cold and long. The air temperature drops so much that almost all water bodies: rivers, ponds, lakes, channels freeze almost to the bottom. Snow falls all over the country. The duration of winter is 110 days (and this is November, March).

There are snowfalls in November and December. But, when compared with Russia, there is quite a bit of snow during the winter. In Ulaanbaatar itself, winter can be called dusty rather than snowy. Although winters have become snowier in recent years. Heavy snowfalls (dzudy) are considered a real disaster for the country's livestock farms.

So if you are going or on a tourist package, be sure to pay attention to the weather conditions during this period of time.

Geographical position

Mongolia, whose relief and climate are naturally interconnected, unites on its territory the Gobi desert and such mountain ranges as the Gobi and Mongolian Altai, Khangai. Thus, on the territory of Mongolia there are both high mountains and vast plains.

The country is located on average at an altitude of 1580 meters above sea level. Mongolia is located in Central Asia, has no access to the sea, it has common borders with Russia and China. The area of ​​the country is 1,566,000 sq. km. The largest rivers flowing in Mongolia are the Selenga, Kerulen, Khalkhin Gol and others. The capital of the state - Ulaanbaatar - has a long and interesting history.

Population of the country

Today, about 3 million people live in the country. The population density is approximately 1.8 people per sq. m. territory. The population is unevenly distributed, in the capital the population density is very high, but the southern regions and desert territories are less populated.

The ethnic composition of the population is very diverse:

• 82% - Mongols;
• 4% - Kazakhs;
• 2% - Buryats and other nationalities.

There are also Russians and Chinese in the country. Among the religions, Buddhism prevails here. In addition, a small percentage of the population professes Islam, there are many adherents of Christianity.

Mongolia: climate and its features

This place is called "land of the blue sky" because most it's sunny here. Located in the temperate climate zone, Mongolia has a sharply continental climate. This means that it is characterized by sudden changes in temperature and does not a large number of precipitation.

Cold, but almost snowless winter in Mongolia (temperature can drop to -45˚C) is replaced by spring with its strong gusts of wind, sometimes reaching hurricanes, and then warm and sunny summer. This country often becomes the site of sandstorms.

If we briefly describe the climate of Mongolia, it is enough to mention the large temperature fluctuations even within a day. There are severe winters, hot summers and increased dryness of the air. The coldest month is January, the warmest is June.

Why such a climate in Mongolia

Sharp temperature changes, dry air and a large number of sunny days make this place special. It can be concluded that what are the reasons for the sharp continentality of the climate of Mongolia:

• remoteness from the seas;
• an obstacle to the entry of moist air currents from the oceans are the mountain ranges that surround the country's territory;
• formation high pressure combined with low temperatures in winter.

Such extreme temperature fluctuations and low rainfall make this country special. Acquaintance with the reasons for the sharp continental climate of Mongolia will help to better understand the relationship between the relief, geographical location and climate of this country.

Seasons

The best time to visit Mongolia is from May to September. Despite the fact that there are many sunny days here, the amplitude of temperatures is very large for the seasons. The climate of Mongolia by months has very characteristic features.

Vegetable world

Mongolia, whose climate is sharply continental, has a rich and unusual flora. On its territory there are various natural zones: highlands, taiga belt, forest-steppe and steppe, desert and semi-desert zones.

In Mongolia, you can see mountains covered with deciduous, cedar and pine forests. In the valleys, they are replaced by deciduous species (birch, aspen, ash) and shrubs (honeysuckle, bird cherry, wild rosemary and others). In general, forests cover about 15% of Mongolia's vegetation.

The vegetation cover of the steppes of Mongolia is also very diverse. It includes plants such as feather grass, wheatgrass and others. Saxaul prevails on the territory of semi-deserts. This type of vegetation makes up about 30% of the entire flora of Mongolia.

Of the medicinal plants, juniper, celandine, and sea buckthorn are most widely used.

Animal world

Several very rare species of mammals are represented in Mongolia, such as the snow leopard, Przewalski's horse, Mongolian kulan, wild camel and many others (about 130 species in total). There are also many (over 450) various species of birds - eagles, owls, hawks. In the desert there is a wild cat, goitered gazelle, saiga, in the forests - deer, sable, roe deer.

Some of them, unfortunately, need protection, as they are under the threat of extinction. The Government of Mongolia takes care of the preservation of the existing rich fund of flora and fauna. To this end, numerous nature reserves were organized here and National parks.

This country is unique. Therefore, it attracts many tourists who want to learn more about Mongolia. There are several features that characterize it:

• Mongolia, whose climate is quite severe, is the country with the coldest capital in the world.
• It has the lowest population density among all countries in the world.
• If you translate the name of the capital Ulaanbaatar from the Mongolian language, you get the phrase "red hero".
• Another name for Mongolia is the "Land of the Blue Sky".

Not all tourists aspiring to these parts know what the climate is in Mongolia. But even a detailed acquaintance with its features does not frighten lovers of exotic and wildlife.

Basic moments

Hundreds of kilometers of land separate Mongolia from the nearest seas. This is the second largest country on the planet after Kazakhstan, which does not have access to the oceans. Mongolia is also known for being the most sparsely populated among all sovereign states in the world, and its main city- Ulaanbaatar - is one of the coldest capitals along with Reykjavik, Helsinki, Ottawa. But, despite such alarming records, the mysterious and original Mongolia does not cease to attract travelers. The birthplace of Genghis Khan is famous for its rich cultural and historical heritage, fantastic landscapes, diverse landscapes. Mongolia is called the "Land of the Eternal Blue Sky", because the sun shines here for more than 250 days a year.

The country has 22 national parks, most of them have a well-developed tourist infrastructure. Roads, hiking trails are laid along the protected areas, campsites, souvenir shops, cafes, bird and animal watching sites are equipped for tourists. In each of the parks, travelers are offered their own unique destinations and excursion programs. In Ulaanbaatar and Kharkhorin, which stands on the site of the ancient Mongolian capital, one can see monuments of Buddhist and Chinese architecture of world significance, in mountain caves along the rivers there are rock paintings by primitive artists, in the Mongolian steppes one can find stone steles with weathered images of ancient gods everywhere.

Tourists willingly go to Mongolia, who like adventure and exotic. They go to the desert or climb mountains, travel on horseback and camels. Spectrum of active sports entertainment very wide - from alloy to mountain rivers before paragliding. Ecologically clean reservoirs of Mongolia, where salmon, whitefish, sturgeon are found - the dream of lovers of nice fishing. There are separate programs in Mongolia for those who want to go on a yoga tour or hunt with a golden eagle.

All cities of Mongolia

History of Mongolia

Tribes of primitive people began to populate the territory of modern Mongolia at least 800,000 years ago, and scientists attribute traces of Homo sapiens to these lands to the 40th millennium BC. e. Archaeological excavations show that the nomadic way of life, which determined the history, culture, traditions of the Mongols, established itself in these lands in 3500-2500 BC. e., when people reduced the cultivation of scarce land to a minimum, giving preference to nomadic pastoralism.

AT different times, right up to the early Middle Ages, on the Mongolian lands they replaced, pushed back and partially assimilated with each other the tribes of the Huns, Xianbi, Juan, ancient Turks, Uighurs, Khitan. Each of these peoples contributed to the formation of the Mongolian ethnic group, as well as the language - the Mongol-speaking of the ancient Khitans was authentically confirmed. The ethnonym "Mongol" in the form "mengu" or "mengu-li" first appeared in the Chinese historical annals of the Tang dynasty (7th-10th centuries AD). The Chinese gave this name to the "barbarians" who roamed near their northern borders, and it probably corresponded to the self-name of the tribes themselves.

By the end of the 12th century, on the vast lands stretching from the Great Wall of China to Southern Siberia and from the upper reaches of the Irtysh to the Amur, numerous tribal tribes united in alliances roamed. At the beginning of the 13th century, Khan Temujin, who belonged to the ancient Mongol clan Borjigin, managed to unite most of these tribes under his rule. In 1206, at a kurultai - a congress of the Mongol nobility - other khans recognized Temujin's supremacy over themselves, proclaiming him the great kagan. The supreme ruler took the name Genghis. He became famous as the founder of the most extensive continental empire in the history of mankind, which extended its power over most of Eurasia.

Genghis Khan swiftly carried out a series of reforms to centralize power, created a powerful army and introduced strict discipline into it. Already in 1207, the Mongols conquered the peoples of Siberia, and in 1213 they invaded the territory of the Chinese state of Jin. In the first quarter of the 13th century, Northern China, Central Asia, the territories of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Armenia were under the rule of the Mongol Empire. In 1223, the Mongols appeared in the Black Sea steppes, on the Kalka River they crushed the combined Russian-Polovtsian troops. The Mongols pursued the surviving warriors to the Dnieper, invading the territory of Russia. Having studied the future theater of operations, they returned to Central Asia.

After the death of Genghis Khan in 1227, the unity of the Mongol Empire began to acquire only a nominal character. Its territory was divided into four uluses - the hereditary possessions of the sons of the great conqueror. Each of the uluses gravitated towards independence, only formally retaining subordination to the central region with its capital in Karakorum. In the future, Mongolia was ruled by the direct descendants of Genghis Khan - the Genghisids, who bore the titles of great khans. The names of many of them are imprinted on the pages of history books that tell about the times of the Mongol-Tatar occupation of Russia.

In 1260, Genghis Khan's grandson Kublai Khan became the Great Khan. Having conquered the Middle Kingdom, he proclaimed himself the Chinese emperor, the founder of the Yuan dynasty. On the lands conquered by the Mongols, Khubilai established a strict administrative order and introduced a strict system of taxes, but the ever-growing taxes caused more and more resistance from the conquered peoples. After a powerful anti-Mongol uprising in China (1378), the Yuan dynasty was defeated. Chinese troops invaded the territory of Mongolia and burned its capital, Karakorum. At the same time, the Mongols began to lose their positions in the West. In the middle of the 14th century, the star of a new great conqueror, Timur Tamerlane, rose, who defeated the Golden Horde in Central Asia. In 1380, on the Kulikovo field, Russian squads, led by Dmitry Donskoy, utterly defeated the Golden Horde, initiating the deliverance of Russia from the Mongol-Tatar yoke.

At the end of the 14th century, federalization processes intensified in feudal Mongolia. The collapse of the empire dragged on for 300 years, and as a result, three large ethnic formations were outlined on its territory, which in turn were divided into several khanates. In the 30s of the 17th century, the Manchu Qing dynasty, ruling in Northeast China, began to claim Mongolian lands. The first to be conquered were the southern Mongol khanates (now Inner Mongolia, an autonomous region of China), the last to fall under the rule of the Qing dynasty was the Dzungar Khanate, which resisted until 1758.

After the Xinhai Revolution (1911), which destroyed the Qing Empire, a national liberation movement unfolded throughout the former Mongol Empire, which led to the creation of a feudal-theocratic state - the Bogdo-Khan Mongolia. It consistently had the status of an independent power, a protectorate of the Russian Empire, an autonomy within China, whose ruler was the Buddhist leader Bogdo Gegen XVIII. In 1919, the Chinese annulled the autonomy, but two years later they were ousted from Urga (today Ulaanbaatar) by the division of the Russian General Ungern-Sternberg. The White Guards, in turn, were defeated by the troops of the Red Army. A People's Government was created in Urga, the power of the Bogdo Gegen was limited, and after his death in 1924, Mongolia was proclaimed a People's Republic. Until the end of World War II, only the USSR recognized its sovereignty.

Most of Mongolia is a vast plateau located at an altitude of 1000 m with mountain ranges, steppe expanses, and hilly valleys. The western lands are divided by a continuous chain of valleys and basins into mountainous regions - the Mongolian Altai with the highest point of the country, the city of Munkh-Khairkhan-Ula (4362 m), the Gobi Altai and Khangai, bounded in the south by the semi-desert Valley of Lakes, and in the West - by the Basin of the Big Lakes. In the northeast of Mongolia, near the border with Russia, the Khentei highlands are located. Its northern spurs stretch in Transbaikalia, and the southwestern ones, descending to the central part of the country, surround its capital - Ulaanbaatar. Southern regions Mongolia is occupied by the rocky Gobi Desert. Administratively, the country is divided into 21 aimags, the capital has the status of an independent unit.

A quarter of the territory of Mongolia is covered by mountain steppes and forests. This belt, covering mainly the Khangai-Khentei and Altai mountainous regions, as well as a small territory of the Khangan region, is the most favorable for life and, accordingly, the best developed region. In the steppe regions, people are engaged in agriculture, grazing livestock. In the floodplains of the rivers, water meadows with high forbs are often used as hayfields. The northern moist slopes of the mountains are covered with forests, mostly deciduous. The banks of the rivers are bordered by narrow stripes mixed forests where poplar, willow, bird cherry, sea buckthorn, birch predominate.

Marals, elk, roe deer, deer are found in the forests, brown bears, as well as fur-bearing animals - lynxes, wolverines, manuls, squirrels. There are many wolves, foxes, hares, wild boars in the mountain-steppe regions, ungulates live in the steppe, in particular gazelle antelopes, marmots, birds of prey, partridges.

Full-flowing rivers are born in the mountains. The largest of them is the Selenga (1024 km), which crosses Mongolia, then flows within Russian Buryatia and flows into Lake Baikal. Another large river - Kerulen (1254 km) - carries its waters to Lake Dalainor (Gulun-Nur), located in China. There are more than a thousand lakes on the territory of Mongolia, their number increases during the rainy season, but shallow seasonal reservoirs soon dry up. 400 km west of Ulaanbaatar, in a tectonic depression in the region of the Khangai Mountains, there is a large lake Khuvsgulcollecting the waters of 96 tributaries. This mountain lake lies at an altitude of 1646 m, its depth reaches 262 m. In terms of the composition of the water and the presence of a unique relict fauna, Lake Khubsugul is similar to Baikal, from which it is only 200 km away. The water temperature in the lake varies between +10...+14 °C.

Climate

Mongolia, located inland, is characterized by a sharply continental climate with long and extremely cold winters, short hot summers, capricious springs, dry air and incredible temperature changes. Precipitation is rare here, most of it falls in the summer. Winters in Mongolia have little or no snow, rare snowfalls are considered a natural disaster, as they do not allow livestock to get to feed in the steppe. The lack of snow cover cools the bare ground and leads to the formation of permafrost patches in the northern regions of the country. It is worth saying that nowhere else on the planet in similar latitudes is permafrost found. The rivers and lakes of Mongolia are covered with ice in winter, many reservoirs literally freeze to the bottom. They are free from ice for less than six months, from May to September.

In winter, the whole country falls under the influence of the Siberian anticyclone. Here the high Atmosphere pressure. Weak winds rarely blow, they do not bring clouds. At this time, the sun reigns in the sky from morning to evening, illuminating and somewhat warming snowless cities, towns and pastures. The average temperature in January, the coldest month, ranges from -15°C in the south to -35°C in the northwest. In mountain hollows, frosty air stagnates, and the thermometers sometimes record a temperature of -50 °C.

In the warm season, Mongolia is approached air masses Atlantic. True, overcoming a long journey over land, they waste their moisture. Its remnants go mainly to the mountains, especially their northern and western slopes. The least rain falls in the desert region of the Gobi. Summer in the country is warm, with average daily temperature from north to south from +15 °С to +26 °С. In the Gobi Desert, the air temperature can exceed +50 °C; in this corner of the planet, characterized by an extreme climate, the amplitude of summer and winter temperatures is 113 °C.

Spring weather in Mongolia is extremely unstable. The air at this time becomes extremely dry, the winds carrying sand and dust sometimes reach the strength of a hurricane. Temperature fluctuations for short period can be tens of degrees. Autumn here, on the contrary, is everywhere quiet, warm, sunny, but it lasts until the first days of November, the arrival of which marks the beginning of winter.

Culture and traditions

Mongolia is a mono-ethnic country. About 95% of its population are Mongols, a little less than 5% are peoples of Turkic origin who speak dialects of the Mongolian language, a small part are Chinese, Russians. The culture of the Mongols was originally formed under the influence of a nomadic lifestyle, later it was strongly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism.

Throughout the history of Mongolia, shamanism has been widely practiced here - an ethnic religion widespread among the nomads of Central Asia. Gradually, shamanism gave way to Tibetan Buddhism, this religion became official at the end of the 16th century. The first Buddhist temple was built here in 1586, and by the beginning of the 1930s there were more than 800 monasteries and about 3,000 temples in the country. During the years of militant atheism, religious buildings were closed or destroyed, thousands of monks were executed. In the 1990s, after the fall of communism, traditional religions began to revive. Tibetan Buddhism has returned to its dominant position, but shamanism continues to be practiced. The peoples of Turkic origin living here traditionally profess Islam.

Before the reign of Genghis Khan, there was no written language in Mongolia. The oldest work of Mongolian literature was The Secret History of the Mongols (or The Secret History), dedicated to the formation of the clan of the great conqueror. It was written after his death, in the first half of the 13th century. Old Mongolian writing, created on the basis of the alphabet borrowed from the Uighurs, existed with some changes until the middle of the 20th century. Today in Mongolia, the Cyrillic alphabet is used, which differs from the Russian alphabet by two letters: Ө and Y.

Mongolian music was formed under the influence of nature, nomadic lifestyle, shamanism, Buddhism. The symbol of the Mongolian nation is the traditional stringed musical instrument morin khur, the head of its neck is made in the form of a horse's head. Long, melodic Mongolian music usually accompanies solo singing. Praised in epic national songs motherland or a favorite horse, lyrical motifs sound, as a rule, at weddings or at family celebrations. Throat and overtone singing is also famous, which, with the help of special equipment breath gives the impression that the performer has two voices. Tourists are introduced to this original art form during ethnographic excursions.

The nomadic way of life of the Mongols found its expression in the local architecture. In the XVI-XVII centuries, Buddhist temples were designed as rooms with six and twelve corners under a pyramidal roof, resembling the shape of a yurt - traditional dwelling Mongols. Later, temples began to be built in the Tibetan and Chinese architectural traditions. The yurts themselves - mobile collapsible tent houses with a frame covered with a felt mat, are still housing for 40% of the country's population. Their doors are still turned to the south - to the warmth, and in the northern, most honorable side of the yurt, they are always ready to welcome the guest.

The hospitality of the Mongols is legendary. According to one of them, Genghis Khan bequeathed to his people to always welcome travelers. And today, in the Mongolian steppes, nomads never refuse lodging and food to strangers. And the Mongols are very patriotic and united. It seems that they are all one big friendly family. They treat each other with warmth, calling strangers“sister”, “brother”, demonstrating that respectful relationships instilled in the family extend beyond its borders.

Visa

All sights of Mongolia

Central Mongolia

In the middle of the Tuva (Central) aimag, the main city of the country, Ulaanbaatar, and its administratively subordinate territories are located as an enclave. Almost half of the population of Mongolia lives here. This bright original city, surrounded by a dense ring of yurts, impresses with its contrasts. High-rise buildings side by side here with ancient Buddhist monasteries, modern skyscrapers - with faceless buildings of the times of socialism. In the capital are best hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, nightclubs, national park entertainment.

The city has many monuments dedicated to national heroes and masterpieces of religious architecture. The architectural symbol of Ulaanbaatar is the Gandan monastery, where 600 monks live permanently and religious ceremonies are held daily. The main attraction of the temple is a 26-meter statue of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, one of the most revered representatives of the Buddhist pantheon, covered with gold leaf. The Chinese architectural tradition is represented by the Bogd Gegen palace complex. The last ruler of Mongolia lived here until 1924.

In the bowels modern city, behind a palisade of skyscrapers hides a beautiful temple complex Choijin-lamyn-sum (temple of Choijin Lama). It includes several buildings, one of which houses the Museum of Tibetan-Mongolian Religious Art. There are about a dozen excellent museums with rich collections in Ulaanbaatar. The most famous of them are the National Museum of the History of Mongolia, the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Fine Arts.

The near and far neighborhoods of Ulaanbaatar are incredibly picturesque, where national parks are located surrounded by mountains. Among them, the most famous Bogd-Khan-Uulsurrounding the mountain of the same name. In its gorge, according to legend, the young Genghis Khan hid from his enemies. A walking route runs through the park, leading to the top of the mountain, from where a spectacular panorama of Ulaanbaatar opens.

From the capital of Buryatia Ulan-Ude to Ulaanbaatar buses depart daily. Departure - at 07:00, arrival at the station at the railway station of Ulaanbaatar - at 20:00. The bus goes through the Mongolian cities of Sukhe Bator and Darkhan.