Culture of Mongolia

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Cave paintings from the Khoud Tsenker region

The culture of Mongolia can be described as homogeneous. 96% of the Mongolia's population are Vajrayana Buddhists in the Tibetan tradition. The official language, Khalkha Mongol, is spoken by 90% of the population. Mongolia has its own ethnic group, which comprises 85% of the country's population.

The main festival is Revolution Day, also known as Naadam, which celebrates the anniversary of Mongolian independence from China. It is held on July 11. Lasts for 3 days. At those days sports events called "Eriin gurvan naadam"(3 games for man) are held. Buhiin barildaan (Mongolian traditional wrestling), Sur harvaa(archer), horse racing(held by the ages of horses), and others.

1 Music
2 Cuisine
3 Abroad
4 See also
- 4.1 Literature

[edit] Music

Main article: Music of Mongolia

Mongolia has a very old musical tradition. Key traditional elements are throat-singing, the Morin Khuur (horse head fiddle) and other string instruments, and several types of songs. Mongolian melodies are typically characterized by pentatonic harmonies and long end notes.

In the 20th century, western style classical music has been introduced, and mixed with traditional elements by some composers. Later on the full palette of Pop and Rock music has also been adopted by younger musicians.

[edit] Cuisine

Main article: Mongolian cuisine

The Mongolian cuisine is primarily based on meat and dairy products, with some regional variations. The most common meat is mutton, supplemented in the desert south by camel meat, in the northern mountains by beef (including yak). Dairy products are made from mars's milk (Airag), from cattle, yaks, and camels (eg. clotted cream).

Starting in the second half of the 20 century, vegetables are increasingly becoming a part of the Mongol diet as well. In the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, there is a wide range of imported food available.