Question

What is Mongolia Services and Settlements (What are the country's biggest services, what are the country rural and urban settlements?

Answer 1

Settlement in contemporary Mongolia is characterized by sharp regional contrasts in the better-watered northern basins of the Orkhon and Selenge rivers, densities of population may reach 10 persons per square mile but some desert areas are uninhabited. The population is concentrated in the north-central region of the country, which contains the richest pasturelands, the main crop area, the most industrial establishments, and the best transportation infrastructure. Rural patterns: The distinctive feature of the countryside is the ger (yurt), the traditional Mongolian dwelling still used widely by herders, which provides warmth in winter and coolness in summer. It is a circular wooden lattice-walled structure with felt insulation and a broad conical roof resting on poles, the whole covered with white canvas. It is light, strong, and easy to assemble, transport, and reerect. During the socialist period the nomadic population was encouraged to adopt a settled way of life, and clusters of gers along with more permanent buildings surrounded the centres of livestock cooperatives and state farms. Urban patterns: The first Buddhist monastic establishments were nomadic, but gradually permanent monasteries grew in importance. During the period of Qing rule, the Manchu built fortified administrative centres and garrison towns, like Khovd and Uliastai. Basic infrastructure, such as social services and roads, is very poor due to Mongolia’s difficult terrain and high construction costs, coupled with lack of funds. This makes life difficult for isolated rural people, who have limited access to markets, inadequate education and health care, and few opportunities to earn income. Loans for rural activities are extended to poor and small entrepreneurs as well as project-supported groups through a loan guarantee facility.