Central Asia.

GMT + 8.
Bayan Ulgii, Uvs & Khovd Aimags in western Mongolia: GMT + 7.

1,564,116 sq km (603,909 sq miles).

3 million (2008 estimate).

1.9 per sq km.

Ulaanbaatar. Population: 1,000,000 (2007).

Mongolia has a 3,485km (2,165-mile) border with the Russian Federation in the north and a 4,670km (2,902-mile) border with China in the south. From north to south, it can be divided into four areas: mountain-forest steppe, mountain steppe and, in the extreme south, semi-desert and desert (the latter being about 3% of the entire territory). The majority of the country has a high elevation, with the principal mountains concentrated in the west. The highest point is the peak of Tavan Bogd, in the Altai Mountains, at 4,374m (14,350ft) high. The lowest point, Khukh Nuur lake, in the east, lies at 560m (1,820ft). There are several hundred lakes in the country and numerous rivers, of which the Orkhon is the longest at 1,124km (698 miles).

Republic. Declared independence from China in 1921.

President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj since 2009.

Prime Minister Sanj Bayar since 2008.

The Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) emerged victorious in the 2008 Parliamentary elections, winning 46 out of 72 seats in the Great Hural. The Democrats won 27 seats and form the minority party in Parliament. Allegations of cheating by both parties clouded the election results and led to rioting that left five civilians dead. A period of national reconciliation culminated in August when Mongolia successfully competed in the Olympics, winning two gold and two silver medals. The golds were the first in Mongolia's Olympic history.

In May 2009, Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, leader of the Democratic Party, was elected president.

Khalkh Mongolian is the official language. Kazakh is spoken by 5% of the population. There are also many Mongolian dialects.

Buddhist Lamaism is the main religion, although there is no state religion. About 5% of Mongolians are Christian.

230 volts AC, 50Hz.

Religious customs should be respected. Mongolia has a large number of customs and traditions although Mongolians are generally not offended when foreigners break custom.

Photography: Permission should be granted before entering temples and monasteries. A fee is payable for photography in protected areas, although this regulation is often not enforced. Caution should be exercised when photographing government buildings, military establishments and border crossings.