Mongolia — world's least densely populated independent country. 3.4 million inhabitants on 1.56 mn km². Heir of Genghis Khan.
- Mongolia is the world's least densely populated independent country 2 people/km². 5× larger than Poland. 50% of Mongols are nomads.
- Genghis Khan's Empire 13th c. — world's largest contiguous empire 24 mn km². From Korea to Poland. Mongols reached Wrocław (1241).
- Mongolia 1924-1990 — first communist country outside USSR After communism's fall — parliamentary democracy. Today close to USA + Japan.
- Mongolia 33% is the Gobi Desert World's 2nd largest desert (after Sahara and Antarctic). 'Second dinosaur field' — Roy Andrews excavations (1920s).
- Naadam — national festival in July Wrestling + archery + horse racing. Tradition from 13th c. UNESCO Heritage. Main one in Ulaanbaatar.
- Yurt (Ger) — Mongolian national home Round felt tent. 50% of Mongols live in gers (even in Ulaanbaatar). Can be set up in 1 hour.
- Mongolia has 5 UNESCO sites Orkhon Valley (cradle of civilization), Tavan Bogd Park, Petroglyphs of the Mongolian Altai, Burkhan Khaldun (Genghis Khan's mountain).
- Ulaanbaatar — world's coldest capital Average annual -1°C. Winter -40°C. Summer short (June-August), 30°C.
- Mongolia has 4× more horses than people 12 mn horses. Plus 70 mn sheep, goats, cows, yaks, camels. Livestock = 30% of GDP.
- Mongolian horses smallest but most enduring in the world 12 types. No horseshoes, sleep standing. Could do 100 km/day (Mongols defeated Tatars + Poles thanks to these horses).
Sources: National Statistics Office Mongolia, Mongolia Tourism Board, UNESCO World Heritage.