Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Mongolia


Sandwiched between Russia and China, Mongolia occupies a strategic spot on the globe. It is only slightly smaller than the state of Alaska and its land is diverse. In the south, lies the Gobi Desert, a vast emptiness of sand. The northeast contains giant steppes and in the west, mountains and hills occupy the landscape. Most know the country only because of its history and its mighty leader in the 13th Century.

square in Ulaanbaatar (UB)
Ghengis Khan /tʃiŋɡʊs hɑn/

Ghengis unified all the local Mongol tribes and then lead them in establishing the largest land empire the world has ever known. His kingdom covered most of modern day China and reached into eastern Europe. After the Great Khan's death, the empire splintered off and eventually fell to surrounding peoples. They were governed by outsiders until 1911, when they declared independence from China. That was short lived however, and in 1921 the Soviets brought them into their Union. Again in 1990, Mongolia declared its independence.

overlooking a Mongol town
Currently - Mongolia has a population around 3 million. One third of whom live in the capital, Ulaanbaatar /ulɑnbɑtr/. Roughly 90% of the people are ethnically Mongolian. Total there is 23 ethnic groups within the country and 16 different languages spoken. The traditional beliefs of Buddhism and Shamanism are practiced by much of the population. A large portion also claim to be non-religious.
The need for more to actively spread the Gospel is high. So many Mongols have never heard a clear presentation of Gospel. Will you pray for these people?

traditional gers 
The Mongol people are very hospitable; they love guests. If you visit their ger (or their apartment in the city), you will most likely be served their 'milk tea.' It has a very, uh unique taste! It kinda grows on you after a while. :) And the horse and yak aren't as bad as you might think.
typical scenery in the countryside


Information from:
Joshua Project <www.joshuaproject.net>
Operation World 7th Edition by Jason Mandryk 
and personal experience

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