Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Future
For Mongolia, the challenge lies largely in the task of nation building. From a cultural
point of view, Mongolia has moved on from the Soviet period and has established a new
path of strong nationalism fused with Western influences. One only needs to look at urb-
an youth culture in Ulaanbaatar - tattooed with
soyombo
(the national symbol) and rap-
ping about the blue skies - to realise that the country is forging a unique new identity.
But on the ground, life is still hard. Poverty, especially in rural areas, has forced thou-
sands to the city in search of work. Many end up jobless in the sprawling ger districts.
Work, housing, education and good healthcare remain elusive for many, while a small
segment of the population is widening the wealth gap, largely through shady business
deals and political connections.
There has been some trickle-down effect and the beginnings of a middle class but this
development still depends on Mongolia's economic growth prospects, which itself
largely hangs on external factors such as the price of minerals and China's continued
growth.
Despite the challenges ahead, surveys show widespread support for the economic re-
forms. There is strong optimism among most of the population, but the country still has a
long way to go before it can claim success.
