1. Although many people live in houses and apartment buildings, about one-third of the Mongolian population lives in felt, round houses. Similar to a Native American teepee, they can be taken down and transported easily, an important feature for a nomadic lifestyle. “Ger” (pronounced “gear”) is the Mongolian word for these homes.

2. Some people also call gers “yurts
Some people also call gers “yurts.” This is the Russian word for the same type of house, which has just one door and no windows.

3. Gers are not very large. Look at the size of this ger, in contrast to the van pictured.

4. Although their homes aren’t very large, the Mongolian people are very friendly and love to show their hospitality.

5. This is the inside of a ger and one of our missionary couples, Bernie and Renee Anderson. The beds can also double as sofas. Do you see the TV in the corner of the photo?

6. The inside of a ger is lined with warm fabric
The inside of a ger is lined with warm fabric. A stove in the center of the ger keeps it warm.

7. It gets very cold in Mongolia; the ger’s stove and its wool-based felt covering help to keep the family warm.

8. Sheep’s wool is used to make the warm fabric to cover the ger
Sheep’s wool is used to make the warm fabric to cover the ger. Sheep are shorn and then the wool is beaten with sticks to make it soft and fluffy. The fleece of about 200 sheep is needed to make enough felt for one ger.

9. Once the felt is made from the wool, it is used to cover the ger.