Geography and Nature
Which vast desert covers large parts of southern Mongolia?
The Gobi Desert, one of the world's largest cold deserts.
Where is Mongolia located?
Mongolia is located in East Asia and is bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south, east, and west. It is a landlocked country known for its vast steppes, deserts, and nomadic culture.
What is the nickname for Mongolia's clear and expansive sky?
The Land of the Eternal Blue Sky.
What river forms the northern border of Mongolia with Russia?
The Selenge River.
Which mountain range holds the highest peaks in Mongolia, including Khüiten Peak?
The Altai Mountains.
How many lakes are estimated to be scattered across Mongolia?
Over 3,000.
History and Culture
Who was the legendary founder and emperor of the Mongol Empire?
Genghis Khan.
What traditional garment made of silk is worn by Mongolian women during special occasions?
The Deel, often decorated with intricate patterns.
What unique form of singing uses overtones to create ethereal melodies?
Mongolian Throat Singing.
What nomadic group in northern Mongolia is known for their reindeer herding and unique culture?
The Tsaatan.
Which annual festival celebrates Mongolian wrestling, archery, and horse racing, known as the "three manly sports"?
Naadam.
Food and Animals
What is the staple food of Mongolia, often served with milk tea and dumplings?
Mutton, usually boiled or barbecued.
What versatile animal provides Mongolians with milk, wool, hair, and transportation?
The yak.
What is the Mongolian word for the traditional round tents used by nomads?
Ger.
Which rare and majestic bird is considered a national symbol of Mongolia?
The Altai Hoopoe.
What fermented mare's milk drink is a traditional Mongolian beverage, sometimes consumed for its potential health benefits?
Airag.
Modern Mongolia
What is the capital city of Mongolia, home to over half the country's population?
Ulaanbaatar.
What is the official currency of Mongolia?
The Mongolian tugrik.
What percentage of Mongolians identify as Buddhist?
Over 50%.
What is the world's longest railway, stretching over 1,778 km, located partly in Mongolia?
The Trans-Mongolian Railway.
What modern sport has gained significant popularity in Mongolia, even earning an Olympic medal?
Judo.
Fun Facts
Mongolia holds the Guinness World Record for the most sheep sheared in 24 hours. How many were shorn?
14,314.
A dinosaur fossil discovered in Mongolia in 2006 holds the title of the world's largest complete dinosaur skull. What was it named?
Tarbosaurus bataar.
Mongolian archery traditions are so revered that a competition in Ulaanbaatar involves shooting arrows over 350 meters. What's the event called?
The Three Heads Arrow Festival.
The Gobi Desert is known for its incredible fossil discoveries. What dinosaur was first discovered there in 1920?
The Velociraptor mongoliensis.
Mongolia boasts the world's second-largest freshwater lake by volume. What is it called?
Hövsgöl Lake.
Ulaanbaatar experiences extreme temperature swings. What is the approximate high during summer and low during winter?
30°C (86°F) and -40°C (-40°F), respectively.
Mongolia has a relatively low population density. How many people live there per square kilometer?
Just over 2, compared to the world average of 63.