Mongolia

Nestled between Russia and China in the far east of Asia, Mongolia is the least densely populated country in the world, with less than 3 million people living in a geographic area the size of Alaska. Livestock out number people eight to one. A lack of infrastructure makes resources scarce and difficult to obtain. One third of the population of Mongolia lives in the capital city of Ulanbator while another one third lives the traditional pastoral nomadic life that Mongolians have lived for centuries.

Since Mongolia was freed of Russian rule in 1990, they have embraced a free market economy. The economic situation of the country has steadily improved. However, the resulting income gap means the poor are being left even farther behind. 32% of Mongolians still live in poverty with over 25% of the population surviving on an income less than two US dollars per day. High unemployment, malnutrition, poor access to clean drinking water, and barriers to obtaining a formal education continue to pose major challenges to Mongolians.

Inflation has soared to 26%, severely straining an already fragile economy. Meeting the basic monetary necessities of life is becoming increasingly more difficult for an ever growing segment of Mongolia’s population. The collapse of industry in the countryside has caused many families to migrate to the cities, moving into unplanned, sprawling “ger districts”. These ger districts have no running water or electricity and are full of unsanitary, open pit toilets.

With an average winter temperature of minus 40 degrees, Mongolia is one of the coldest countries in the world, Ulanbator being the world’s coldest capital city. Homeless children and families of Mongolia's few cities are forced to take refuge from the cold in the underground heating system.

There is still a great need for assistance within Mongolia. Children are not allowed to attend school if they are not dressed warnly enough. Many adults are forced to work outside in the freezing winter temperatures. Doctors are paid $100 a month. Teachers are paid $60 a month.

The literacy rate of 98% with 36% of the population under the age of 18, makes Mongolians primed for education based support projects.

F.I.R.E. medical assessments from 2005 - 2007 have revealed a system with satisfactory infrastructure. Though there are a large number of young, eager medical professionals, they are compromised in their ability to provide the necessary care due to a great lack of resources and advanced medical training.

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