Population: 2.9 million, the least densely populated independent country in the world.
Size: Slightly smaller than Alaska
Location: Between China and Russia
Capital: Ulaanbaatar, the coldest national capital in the world.
Most Famous Mongol: Genghis Khan, a ruthless warrior who eventually led the Mongols to form the largest empire in human history in terms of geographical expanse.
Religion: 94% are Tibetan Buddhists, although this is usually mixed with Shamanism. Atheism and cults are also present.
Greatest Challenge for Evangelism: There are 500,000 nomadic herdsmen families who are scattered widely across the countryside. This not only makes evangelism difficult, but also presents a challenge for new believers who want to fellowship and grow together.
Growth of Christianity: Christian organizations began working in Mongolia in 1990. At the time, it was estimated that there were only 50 to 100 Christians in the whole country. Now it is estimated that there are between 10,000 to 15,000 believers. About 99 percent live in Mongolia’s three major cities.
Economy: Although Mongolia’s economy has traditionally been based on herding and agriculture, life in Mongolia has recently become more urbanized. Nearly half of the people live in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, and in other large cities. About 30 percent of the population is still nomadic.
Sports: Wrestling is the most popular sport, and historians claim that Mongol-style wrestling originated 7,000 years ago.
Festival: The main festival is Naadam, which is held in July. Events include archery, horse racing and wrestling. Another popular contest is Shagaa, in which contestants flick sheep ankle bones at a target several feet away.
Culture: Horse riding is especially central to Mongolian culture. Long-distance riding over the countryside is popular, as well as trick riding. Legend tells that Mongolian military hero Damdin Sükhbaatar scattered coins on the ground and then picked them up while riding a horse at full gallop.
Prayer Request: Pray that every Mongolian will have an opportunity to hear about Jesus, despite geographical obstacles. Also pray that Mongolian believers will have opportunities to fellowship with brothers and sisters of their own people group.
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