SOCIAL

HOLIDAY HOMEWOEK

Mongolia
Mongolia (mn-g'l, mng-), republic (2005 est. pop. 2,791,000), 604,247 sq mi (1,565,000 sq km), N central Asia; historically known as Outer Mongolia. Bordered on the west, south, and east by China and on the north by Russia, it comprises more than half the historical region of Mongolia; the other part forms China's Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region. The capital and largest city is Ulaanbaatar.

Land & People

Land - A high country, Mongolia has an average elevation exceeding 5,100 ft (1,554 m); the central, northern, western, and southwestern areas are covered with hills, high plateaus, and mountain ranges, reaching 15,266 ft (4,653 m) at Tavan Bogd Uul

(Tabun Bogdo) in the Altai Mts. Much of the Gobi desert lies to the south and east; at no point is the elevation less than c.1,800 ft (550 m). Numerous lakes fill the depressions between the mountains; the largest, Uvs Nuur, or Ubsu Nur (c.1,300 sq mi/3,370 sq km) is saltwater. The main rivers are in the north and include the Selenga (Selenge Mrn), with its long tributary the Orkhon (Orhon), which flows into Lake Baykal in Russia; and the Kerulen. Navigability is limited-the rivers are swift and rough; they freeze in the winter, and many dry up during droughts. People - The population is predominantly Khalkha Mongol. Minorities include Oirat Mongols, Kazakhs, Chinese, and Russians.

Vegetation
Mongolias territory is represented by a plateau and the climatic conditions are very hard. Due to the general environment, only some vegetables and fruits can be grown.