Mongolian culture — nomadic tradition, horse, camel, ger, naadam, children of Genghis Khan.
Language
Mongolian — Altaic language family. Cyrillic script (Soviet influence), traditional vertical Mongolian script returning.
Nomads
50% Mongols are nomads — live in ger. Horse, camel, cattle, sheep, goat — 5 types of livestock. Horse — Genghis warrior end is contemporary Mongol.
Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan (1162-1227) — national hero. Mongol Empire — largest contiguous land empire in history. New films (Mongol 2007).
Naadam
Three games of men — archery, wrestling, horse racing. Naadam traditional national holiday in July (UNESCO). Horse race up to 30 km.
Food
Buuz (steamed dumplings), khuushuur (fried), tsagaan idee (dairy products), airag (fermented mare milk), boodog (stone-boiled meat).
Shamanism and Buddhism
Shamanism (original), Tibetan Buddhism (since 16th c.). Gandan Monastery Ulaanbaatar — main Buddhist center.
Modern Culture
Morin khuur — national musical instrument (UNESCO). Khoomii (throat singing) — UNESCO. Khurelbaatar — famous artist. Film The Cave of the Yellow Dog (Byambasuren).