Mongolia | SIM USA

Summary

In the 13th century, the Mongols conquered much of Eurasia under Genghis Khan, creating one of history’s largest empires. Although the empire fragmented in the 14th century and later came under Chinese rule, Mongolia regained its independence in 1921 with Soviet support. Today, situated between China and Russia, Mongolia is known for its vast steppes, deserts, and natural beauty. Despite its sparse population, the country has a rich cultural heritage, strong national pride, and a modern, growing capital city, Ulaanbaatar.

The 2008 global financial crisis dramatically effected Mongolia, as a steep plunge in commodity prices greatly reduced the government’s revenue. Severe weather has claimed over 20% of the nation’s livestock, thus doubling meat prices. In addition to traditional herding and agriculture, tourism is also key to the economy.

Lamaistic Buddhism has been on the rise since independence, and in 1989 there were only an estimated four Christians in the entire nation. Praise God that today there are over 40,000 Mongolian Christians! The Church is less than a generation old, and is already actively sending missionaries to unreached areas of their nation and operating ministries within Mongolia. It has proven difficult for foreign missionaries to adapt to Mongolian culture and the naturally harsh living conditions. Crime, alcoholism, and prostitution have led to suffering and exploitation within the country. The Church in Mongolia must become more united in order to tackle these tough social issues.

quick facts

continent:

Asia

religion:

Buddhist 58%, Ethnic religions 18%, Agnostic 14%, Muslim 5%, Christian 2%, Atheist 2%, Chinese folk-religions 1%

capital city:

Ulaanbaatar

language:

Mongolian, Oirat, Kazakh, Buriat, Chinese

government:

Semi-presidential republic

GDP per capita:

$7,850

literacy rate:

99.2%

population:

3,591,120

major groups of people:

66% Khalkha Mongol; 9% Western Mongol (Oirat); 5% Southeastern Mongolian; 5% Kazakh (Qazaq); 3% Durbet (Dorwot)

POPULATION IN UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUPS:

98%

prayer points

The leaders of the Mongolian church to seek to grow and develop the hearts of their people

The team, which has grown in the past year, praise God, but is also in a season of transition as the leadership is changing

The next entity director to lead faithfully and use his or her skills to develop the next steps

Our unity as we come from many different cultural contexts and seek to walk together in humility and have many ideas of what we want to achieve in Mongolia. Pray we can work together faithfully for the Lord’s glory

The government of Mongolia to act with justice for the nation