Geography of Mongolia: relief, climate, flora and fauna. Climate of Mongolia. Geographical location and interesting facts Climatic conditions in different parts of Mongolia

Chris Taylor

What type of climate does Mongolia have?

Brief description of the climate of Mongolia

Weather in Mongolia is affected by the following factors: Climate middle latitude Dry semi-desert (steppe). Mid-latitude dry. Evaporation on average exceeds precipitation but is less than potential evaporation. The average temperature is less than 18°C ​​(64°F).
July is the hottest month when the maximum temperature is around 23℃ (73℉). Usually the fourth week is the hottest. But be aware of rain and thunder. The coldest month is January. This month, the temperature at night can be evenly -32℃ (-26℉)! In the second week, you should wear your warmest clothes. And get ready for Snow White and the fog.

Weather conditions of Mongolia throughout the year

Mongolia is located in Central Asia and its famous nickname is Earth.
Weather in Mongolia influenced In the middle latitudes, dry, semi-dry (steppe) climate. Dry in mid-latitudes. Evaporation on average exceeds precipitation. The average temperature is lower than 18° C (64° F).

Mongolia is an amazing country that amaze tourists with its uniqueness and originality. Located in Central Asia, this country borders only Russia and China and is landlocked. Therefore, the climate of Mongolia is sharply continental. And Ulaanbaatar is considered But anyway, Mongolia is popular among tourists from all over the planet.

General information

Mongolia still keeps its traditions, it managed to carry its cultural heritage through the centuries. The Great Mongol Empire had a huge impact on world history, the famous leader Genghis Khan was born on the territory of this particular country.

Today, a unique place on the planet attracts primarily those who want to take a break from the noise of megacities and familiar resorts and immerse themselves in a special world of pristine natural beauty. Geographical location, climate, plants, animals - all this is unusual and unique. High mountains, endless steppes, blue skies, a unique world of flora and fauna cannot but attract tourists from all over the world to this country.

Geographical position

Mongolia, whose relief and climate are naturally interconnected, unites on its territory the Gobi desert and such mountain ranges as the Gobi and Mongolian Altai, Khangai. Thus, on the territory of Mongolia there are both high mountains and vast plains.

The country is located on average at an altitude of 1580 meters above sea level. Mongolia is landlocked and shares borders with Russia and China. The area of ​​the country is 1,566,000 sq. km. The largest rivers flowing in Mongolia are the Selenga, Kerulen, Khalkhin Gol and others. The capital of the state - Ulaanbaatar - has a long and interesting history.

Population of the country

Today, about 3 million people live in the country. The population density is approximately 1.8 people per sq. m. territory. The population is unevenly distributed, in the capital the population density is very high, but the southern regions and desert territories are less populated.

The ethnic composition of the population is very diverse:

• 82% - Mongols;
• 4% - Kazakhs;
• 2% - Buryats and other nationalities.

There are also Russians and Chinese in the country. Among the religions, Buddhism prevails here. In addition, a small percentage of the population professes Islam, there are many adherents of Christianity.

Mongolia: climate and its features

This place is called "the country of the blue sky", as it is sunny most of the year. Located in the temperate climate zone, Mongolia has a sharply continental climate. This means that it is characterized by sharp temperature changes and low rainfall.

Cold, but almost snowless winter in Mongolia (temperature can drop to -45˚C) is replaced by spring with its strong gusts of wind, sometimes reaching hurricanes, and then by warm and sunny summer. This country often becomes the site of sandstorms.

If we briefly describe the climate of Mongolia, it is enough to mention the large temperature fluctuations even within a day. There are severe winters, hot summers and increased dryness of the air. The coldest month is January, the warmest is June.

Why such a climate in Mongolia

Sharp temperature changes, dry air and a large number of sunny days make this place special. It can be concluded that what are the reasons for the sharp continentality of the climate of Mongolia:

• remoteness from the seas;
• an obstacle to the entry of moist air currents from the oceans are the mountain ranges that surround the country's territory;
• formation of high pressure combined with low temperatures in winter.

Such extreme temperature fluctuations and low rainfall make this country special. Familiarization with the reasons for the sharp continental climate of Mongolia will help to better understand the relationship between the relief, geographical location and climate of this country.

Seasons

The best time to visit Mongolia is from May to September. Despite the fact that there are many sunny days here, the amplitude of temperatures is very large for the seasons. The climate of Mongolia by months has very characteristic features.

Vegetable world

Mongolia, whose climate is sharply continental, has a rich and unusual flora. On its territory there are various natural zones: highlands, taiga belt, forest-steppe and steppe, desert and semi-desert zones.

In Mongolia, you can see mountains covered with deciduous, cedar and pine forests. In the valleys, they are replaced by deciduous species (birch, aspen, ash) and shrubs (honeysuckle, bird cherry, wild rosemary and others). In general, forests cover about 15% of Mongolia's vegetation.

The vegetation cover of the steppes of Mongolia is also very diverse. It includes plants such as feather grass, wheatgrass and others. Saxaul prevails on the territory of semi-deserts. This type of vegetation makes up about 30% of the entire flora of Mongolia.

Of the medicinal plants, juniper, celandine, and sea buckthorn are most widely used.

Animal world

Several very rare species of mammals are represented in Mongolia, such as the snow leopard, Przewalski's horse, Mongolian kulan, wild camel and many others (about 130 species in total). There are also many (over 450) various species of birds - eagles, owls, hawks. In the desert there is a wild cat, goitered gazelle, saiga, in the forests - deer, sable, roe deer.

Some of them, unfortunately, need protection, as they are under the threat of extinction. The Government of Mongolia takes care of the preservation of the existing rich fund of flora and fauna. For this purpose, numerous reserves and national parks were organized here.

This country is unique. Therefore, it attracts many tourists who want to learn more about Mongolia. There are several features that characterize it:

• Mongolia, whose climate is quite severe, is the country with the coldest capital in the world.
• It has the lowest population density among all countries in the world.
• If you translate the name of the capital Ulaanbaatar from, you get the phrase "red hero".
• Another name for Mongolia is the "Land of the Blue Sky".

Not all tourists aspiring to these parts know what the climate is in Mongolia. But even a detailed acquaintance with its features does not frighten lovers of exotic and wildlife.

Mongolia is a distant, mysterious country, the birthplace of the great conqueror Genghis Khan. It is often referred to as the "Land of the Blue Sky". This is a country of rocky mountains, lakes, endless steppes and the Gobi desert. Mongolia has beautiful natural scenery, many Buddhist temples, and, of course, hospitable locals with a distinctive and unique culture.

Geography of Mongolia

Mongolia is located in East and Central Asia. In the east, west and south, Mongolia borders with China, and in the north with Russia. This country has no access to the sea. The total area of ​​Mongolia is 1,564,116 sq. km., and the total length of the state border is 8,220 km.

In the south of Mongolia is the Gobi Desert, which ends in the north of China. The Mongolian Altai mountain system stretches from the west to the southwest of Mongolia. The highest peak in Mongolia is the Kuiten-Uul peak, whose height reaches 4,374 m.

Several large rivers flow through the territory of Mongolia - Selenga, Kerulen, Tesiin-Gol, Onon, Khalkhin-Gol, etc.

Capital

The capital of Mongolia is Ulaanbaatar, which is now home to about 1.3 million people. Ulaanbaatar was built in 1639, at first there was a Buddhist monastery in its place.

Official language of Mongolia

The official language of the population of Mongolia is Mongolian, belonging to the Ural-Altaic language family.

Religion

About 50% of the population of Mongolia professes Buddhism (in particular, Tibetan Buddhism), 40% of the population are atheists. Another 6% of Mongols are supporters of shamanism and Christianity, and 4% are Muslims.

State structure of Mongolia

According to the current Constitution of 1992, Mongolia is a parliamentary republic. The head of state is the President, who is elected for a term of 4 years by popular vote.

The Parliament in Mongolia is unicameral, it is called the State Great Khural, consists of 76 deputies, also elected for a 4-year term.

The main political parties are the Democratic Party, the People's Revolutionary Party, the Green Party and the Religious Democratic Party.

Climate and weather

The climate in Mongolia is pronounced continental with warm summers and long, dry and very cold winters. The average annual air temperature is -3.3C. The highest average air temperature is in July (+22C), and the lowest is in January (-32C).

The best time to visit Mongolia is from May to October.

Rivers and lakes

Several large rivers flow through the territory of Mongolia - Selenga, Kerulen, Tesiin-Gol, Onon, Khalkhin-Gol. In the north of Mongolia, near the border with Russia, there is Lake Khubsugul, which is considered the deepest in Central Asia.

Story

People appeared on the territory of Mongolia many thousands of years ago. Mongolia has been inhabited since prehistoric times by nomads who from time to time formed state confederations. It was because of the ancient Mongols that the Chinese had to build the Great Wall of China.

In 1206, the Mongol leader Temujin took the title of Genghis Khan, and conquered a number of peoples and countries. Thus the Mongol Empire was born. After the death of Genghis Khan, the Mongol Empire was divided into four khanates. Under the successors of Genghis Khan, the Mongol Empire stretched from Poland in the east to Korea in the west, and from Siberia in the north to Vietnam in the south.

Buddhism began to spread among the Mongols in the 16th century. In the XV-XVI centuries, frequent internecine wars for power took place among the Mongols. In the future, the Mongols had to resist the invasion of Chinese troops.

The Chinese Qing Dynasty controlled Mongolia until 1911. In 1924, the Mongolian People's Republic was formed, friendly to the USSR.

In 1962, the MPR was admitted to the UN. Since 1992, the Mongolian People's Republic has been officially called Mongolia.

culture

The culture and traditions of the Mongols are very rich. For many centuries, these nomads roamed the steppes and deserts of Central Asia, and it cannot be said that the climate there is favorable. The Mongols led a nomadic lifestyle from ancient times, and still have not abandoned it. Even now in cities, including Ulaanbaatar itself, many Mongols live in yurts.

Every July, the Mongols celebrate the Naddam festival, during which traditional Mongolian competitions are held - horse racing, archery and wrestling.

Every March, the Mongols celebrate the end of winter and the arrival of the New Year (according to the lunar calendar). At this time, the Mongols also arrange horse races, competitions in national wrestling and archery.

In addition, other festivals are held in Mongolia. The most interesting of them are the Hunting Eagle Festival, the Camel Festival and the Yak Festival.

Mongolian cuisine

Meat (beef and lamb) and dairy products are the basis of the diet of any inhabitant of Mongolia. Over the centuries, the Mongols have come up with various specific methods for storing meat. The most popular of them is drying, resulting in dried meat "fighter".

In winter, the Mongols most often eat horse meat, and in autumn and spring - lamb. At the end of spring, the Mongols eat goat meat.

Mongolian nomads invented various dairy products - yogurt (tarag, aarts), curd (byaslag), dried curd (aarul), and mare's milk koumiss (airag).

Mongols usually start eating dairy products in late spring. In the summer, the main food of the Mongols is just dairy products.

The Mongols are nomads living in the steppes. Therefore, it is not surprising that they season their dishes with various steppe herbs and greens. In recent years, the people of Mongolia have grown more and more vegetables.

If you are already in Mongolia, then you will have to drink local tea there. The Mongolians make tea in a very peculiar way by adding milk to it. The main ingredients of Mongolian tea are green brick tea, milk, rice, flour, butter, salt. Sometimes Mongolians even add small pieces of meat to tea. Mongolians can drink tea with fried buns "boortsog".

Attractions

A large number of unique historical, architectural and archaeological monuments have been preserved in ancient Mongolia. Neolithic drawings near the Chultyn-Gol River, for example, are under the protection of UNESCO. The top 10 best attractions in Mongolia, in our opinion, may include the following:

1. Peace Bell in Ulaanbaatar
2. Mausoleum of Sukhbaatar in Ulaanbaatar
3. Gandan Monastery
4. Khan's palace with sculptures of the goddess Tara in Ulaanbaatar
5. Monastery Manzushir
6. Mount Bogd-Ul on which Genghis Khan was born
7. Ruins of Karakorum, the former capital of the Mongol Empire
8. Neolithic drawings near the Chultyn-Gol river
9. Monastery "Hundred Treasures"
10. Zhanrai Sing Temple in Ulaanbaatar

Cities and resorts

The largest cities in Mongolia are Erdenet (about 100 thousand people live there), Darkhan and, of course, the capital - Ulaanbaatar, which now has about 1.3 million people.

There are no beach or ski resorts in Mongolia, but tourists like this country for other reasons.

Tourists in Mongolia are attracted by amazing nature, unique historical monuments and original culture of the Mongols. So, National Geographic, for example, organizes appropriate tours to Mongolia for tourists who love adventure. In addition, the Land of the Snow Leopard tourist route passes through the territory of Mongolia (together with Tuva and Altai in Russia).

Souvenirs/Shopping

It is characterized by the predominance of sunny days, especially in winter, significant dryness of the air, a small amount precipitation, sharp temperature fluctuations, not only annual, but also daily. The temperature during the day can sometimes fluctuate between 20-30 degrees Celsius.

The coldest month of the year January. In some parts of the country the temperature drops to -45…50°С.

The hottest month July

Average annual rainfall 200-250 mm. 80-90% of the total annual precipitation falls within five months, from May to September. The maximum amount of precipitation (up to 600 mm) falls in the Khentii and Altai aimags and near Lake Khuvsgul. The minimum precipitation (about 100 mm per year) falls on the Gobi.

The winds are strongest in spring. AT Gobi regions winds often lead to the formation of storms and reach an enormous destructive force - 15-25 m / s. A wind of such strength can rip off yurts and carry them away for several kilometers, tear tents to shreds.

For Mongolia a number of exceptional physical and geographical phenomena are characteristic, within its limits are:

Center of world maximum winter atmospheric pressure

The world's southernmost permafrost belt on a flat terrain (47°N).

In Western Mongolia basin of the Great Lakes the northernmost desert distribution zone on the globe is located (50.5 ° N)

The Gobi Desert is the most abruptly continental place on the planet. In summer, the air temperature can rise to +58 °С, in winter it can drop to -45 °С.

SPRING IN MONGOLIA

Comes after a very cold winter. The days were getting longer and the nights were getting shorter. Spring is the time for the snow to melt and the animals to come out of hibernation. Spring begins in mid-March, usually lasting about 60 days, although it can be as long as 70 days or as much as 45 days in some areas of the country.

For people and livestock, this is also the season of the driest and windiest days. In the spring, dust storms are not uncommon, not only in the south, but also in the central regions of the country. Leaving the house of a resident, they try to close the windows, as dust storms come suddenly (and pass just as quickly).

Summer- the warmest season in Mongolia. The best season to travel in Mongolia. Precipitation is higher than in spring and autumn. Rivers and lakes are the most full-flowing. However, if the summer is very dry, then closer to autumn the rivers become very shallow.

The beginning of summer is the most beautiful time of the year. The steppe is green (the grass has not yet burned out from the sun), livestock is gaining weight and fat. In Mongolia, summer lasts approximately 110 days from late May to September.

The hottest month July. The average air temperature during this period in most of the territory is +20°С, in the south up to +25°С. The maximum temperatures in the Gobi Desert during this period can reach +45…58°С.

AUTUMN IN MONGOLIA

- season of transition from hot summer to cold and dry winter. There is less rain in autumn. Gradually it becomes cooler and vegetables and grains are harvested at this time. Pastures and forests turn yellow. The flies are dying and the livestock are fat and fuzzy in preparation for the winter.

Autumn- an important season in Mongolia to prepare for the winter; gathering crops, vegetables and fodder; preparation to the extent of their cattle sheds and sheds; preparing firewood and heating them at home and so on. Autumn lasts approximately 60 days from early September to early November.

The end of summer and the beginning of autumn is a very favorable season for travel. However, it must be borne in mind that snow can fall in early September, but within 1-2 it will completely melt.

AT Mongolia, winter is the coldest and longest season. In winter, the temperature drops so much that all rivers, lakes, channels and reservoirs are frozen. Many rivers freeze almost to the bottom. It is snowing all over the country, but not heavy.

Winter starts in early November and lasts approximately 110 days until March. It sometimes snows in September and November, but heavy snow usually occurs in early November (December). In general, compared to Russia, there is very little snow.

Winter in Ulaanbaatar is more dusty than snowy. Although with climate change on the planet it is noted that in winter more snow began to fall in Mongolia. And heavy snowfalls are a real natural disaster for pastoralists (dzud).

The coldest month of the year January. In some regions of the country, the temperature drops to -45 ... 50 (C.). It should be noted that the cold in Mongolia is much easier to bear due to dry air. For example: a temperature of -20°C in Ulaanbaatar is also transferred as -10°C in the central part of Russia.

CLIMATE, WEATHER

Mongolia is located in the east of Asia. From the north it borders on Russia, and the rest of Mongolia connects with China. The area of ​​the state is 1.6 million km2. The capital is called Ulaanbaatar. The city is located in the center of the country, at an altitude of 1300 m above sea level. The river Tuul flows here. The rivers Selenga, Kerulen and Khalkhin Gol are also born in the Mongolian mountains.

The relief of Mongolia is represented by a plateau, which is elevated by 1000-1500 m. In the west of the country, the Mongolian Altai mountain system stretches, which turns into low mountain ranges and thus embraces the entire plateau. The Khangai massif is located in the center of the country. Plains meet in the east and south. In Mongolia, tourists will see the desert that stretches in the southern part. There are few surface waters in the country, but underground waters are located in the upper layers of the earth.

The climate in Mongolia is severe, continental type. Winters are frosty and summers are hot. The amount of precipitation increases to the north, 300-510 mm falls annually. Tourists recommend to go here in August. However, choose the date of the trip yourself, paying attention to the weather conditions in Mongolia by months.

Weather in Mongolia in January

In January, the air temperature in Mongolia is variable. During the day, the thermometer readings fluctuate from -23°С to +1°С. At night, the air temperature is within -24°C ... -2°C. 80% of the days in January are cloudy. This month has the fewest hours of sunshine per day, 1.7. One rainy day and two snowy days are recorded, up to 38 mm of precipitation falls. The wind speed reaches 3.8 m/s.

Weather in Mongolia in February

In February it gets a little warmer. The daytime air temperature is within -15°С…+2°С, and the night temperature fluctuates from -20°С to 0°С. Most of the days this month, like January, are cloudy, but the sun stays in the sky for more hours in a day. Precipitation drops to 28.5 mm. Snow does not fall in February. The speed of air masses is 3.7 m/s.

Weather in Mongolia in March

With the onset of spring, the thermometer drops below zero only at night. Daytime temperatures are in the range of +2°С…+8°С. There are more clear days and more hours of sunshine. It snows in March. Two rainy days are also recorded. The month receives 37.6 mm of precipitation. The average wind speed reaches 4.0 m/s.

Weather in Mongolia in April

The temperature regime of April does not differ significantly from that of March. The air temperature in the daytime ranges from +3°C to +10°C, and at night the thermometer drops to -3°C. The amount of precipitation is noticeably increasing, now 56.4 mm falls in 4 days. However, the rest of the days in the month are sunny. The wind subsides to 3.8 m/s.

Weather in Mongolia in May

The average air temperature during daylight hours in May is +12.5°C, and at night the thermometer is set at +6°C. 15 days out of 31 are clear, 10 are cloudy, and the remaining 5 are rainy in Mongolia. The amount of precipitation, as in the previous month, is 52 mm. Wind speed continues to decrease, gusts reach 3.4 m/s.

Weather in Mongolia in June

With the onset of summer, Mongolia becomes even rainier. In places, up to 60 mm of precipitation falls. 5 rainy days are recorded. The wind speed remains the same, 3.4 m/s. It should be noted that in June the average daily number of hours of sunshine reaches its maximum, the sun stays in the sky for 11.4 hours out of 24. The air temperature in the daytime ranges from + 11 ° С to + 26 ° С, by the end of the month the thermometer reaches +29, 3°C. The night temperature range is within +6°С…+19°С.

Weather in Mongolia in July

The average daytime air temperature in July is set at +22.7°C, and at night the column slips to +14.9°C. Note that at the beginning of the month there are jumps up to + 30 ° C, so do not forget about a hat. July together with November are considered the rainiest months in Mongolia. Up to 65 mm of precipitation is recorded here. At the same time, the wind speed in July is at a minimum, 3 m/s.

Weather in Mongolia in August

After a rainy July, the amount of precipitation drops sharply. In August, 3 rainy days and 34 mm of precipitation are recorded. The strength of the air masses increases to 3.3 m/s. It is still sunny this month, the average daily number of hours reaches 10. The air temperature during daylight hours ranges from +16°C to +28°C, and at night the thermometer is set at +14°C.

Weather in Mongolia in September With the onset of autumn, the number of sunny hours per day decreases sharply, now it is only 6.7. In September, the air temperature in the daytime is in the range of +13°С…+24°С. At nighttime, temperature indicators are set within + 6 ° С ... + 9 ° С. Precipitation is more abundant this month. Drops 53 mm in 3 days. The wind speed increases to 3.4 m/s.

Weather in Mongolia in October

The average air temperature in October is set at +6.9°C, fluctuations are only a couple of degrees. At night, the thermometer readings are within +2.9°C, but frosts are recorded in places. Clear days are losing ground and now 20 days a month the sky is covered with clouds. The amount of precipitation is 37 mm, which falls in 3 days. The wind speed increases to 3.6 m/s.

Weather in Mongolia in November

In November, the thermometer drops below zero even during daylight hours. Average temperatures during the day are within 0°C ... + 1°C, and at night - -2.5°C. As already mentioned, November is the rainiest month in Mongolia. 65 mm of precipitation falls. However, compared to July, it is not only raining, but also snowing. The wind speed this month reaches 4 m/s.

Weather in Mongolia in December

In December, there are sharp jumps in temperature. It could be -5°C today and +9°C tomorrow. The average air temperature during daylight hours is -1°C, and at night - -3°C. The amount of precipitation is sharply reduced. One snowy and one rainy day is recorded. Drops out 36 mm. The average wind speed reaches 4.5 m/s, which makes December the windiest month in Mongolia.