Mongolia is located on the continent of Asia between Russia and China Mongolia is located on the continent of Asia between Russia and China. It is the largest landlocked country in the world—a little bigger than the state of Alaska. The country can be divided into four parts. The north is covered in a thick forest, and mountains lie in the west.

The Gobi Desert is in the southern part of the country, and the east is known for its flat hills.

More than half of the Mongolian people live in cities and towns.

Mongolians living in the countryside have a more nomadic lifestyle (defined as “roaming” or “wandering”). Next week we’ll talk more about their houses, pictured here.

Herding and farming are traditional Mongolian occupations Herding and farming are traditional Mongolian occupations. The country exports many animal byproducts, including dairy, wool, and meat.

Most Mongolians practice the Buddhist religion. Some worship spirits Most Mongolians practice the Buddhist religion. Some worship spirits. For a long time communist Russia ruled Mongolia, and the people were told there was no God.

Mongolia became an independent country in the 1990s; since then, the people have been allowed to worship as they choose. The Christian and Missionary Alliance sent missionaries to Mongolia in 1997.