Social Conventions
Mongolia is a very traditional country and as such, there are certain social conventions that should be abided by to ensure a successful trip. Visitors should never refuse food or drink, and should always accept with the right hand. Religious customs should always be respected and people should never turn their backs on altars or other religious parts of gers. People should never touch another person’s hat or head and should never point at someone using their finger. When taking pictures, permission should be asked.
Language
The official language is Mongolian and is spoken by 90% of the population, however, in terms of foreign languages, Russian and English are also spoken.
Religion
The main religion in Mongolia is Buddhism with approximately 90% of the population following it. Mongolia witnessed a Buddhist renaissance after the “Reign of Terror” in the 1930s which saw the persecution of monks and the destruction of monasteries at the hands of the Stalinist purges. The other 10% of the population are Muslim, Shamanists and there are also a few Christians.