Mongolia Country Report

Mongolia is a large, sparsely-populated, landlocked country in northeast Asia bordering China to the south and Russia to the north. Mongolia is characterized by remote and desolate terrain. The country is a relatively stable parliamentary democracy that is open to foreign investment. However, underdeveloped infrastructure, high levels of corruption and regulations on extractive industries have limited foreign investment opportunities. For most visits, Mongolia is relatively safe with no particular threat of terrorism or serious political instability outside of election periods. However, poor economic conditions continue to prevail and have generated an increase in petty theft, with foreign nationals somewhat regularly targeted due to their perceived affluence.

The threat from opportunistic petty criminal activity in major urban centers is the primary security threat for foreign travelers, although the remoteness of the country's vast area compounds the potential implications of traffic accidents and health emergencies outside the capital Ulaanbaatar. With the exception of the capital, the country's infrastructure is very poor with transportation, communications, utility and medical infrastructure below the standards of developed countries.

The biggest threat to foreign travelers is from petty and opportunistic theft. Foreigners may be targeted for perceived wealth. Unrest occurs periodically over various socio-economic and political issues, including perceived corruption and fluctuating economic conditions. Protests are typically low-level and peaceful but have the potential to escalate into violence.

Air travel is generally considered safe to and from Mongolia.

Local driving habits and road conditions are hectic and dangerous; accidents are common.

There are no seaports in Mongolia.

Power outages occur occasionally. Cell phone coverage outside major cities may be limited.

Mongolia has been targeted in cyber-attacks by individuals and groups in Russia and China.

The climate is characterized by extreme temperatures that can change dramatically within the span of a day. Pollution is a serious problem, particularly in the winter months from November to March. Most earthquakes are mild-to-moderate in strength and cause limited damage. Flooding occurs during the rainy season from July to September. Droughts, forest fires, dust storms and snowstorms can occur.

Mongolia has several diseases and health threats like typhoid fever. Medical care is minimal and may be difficult or impossible to find outside of urban centers. Cash payment is required for all health services rendered. Tap water is not safe to drink.

Corruption is a significant problem and presents a risk for foreign individuals or companies operating in the country. The mining sector, in particular, is perceived to be highly vulnerable to corruption. Rule of law is considered weak with regard to contract enforcement, property rights, the police and the courts. Police are generally under-equipped and poorly trained. Mongolia is relatively stable, although periodic bouts of political instability occur with frequent turnover of cabinets.