The Mongols (or Mongolian people) are an East Asian ethnic group native to Mongolia and adjacent regions of China (Inner Mongolia) and Russia (Buryatia and Kalmykia).
Population: There are an estimated 10–11 million Mongols worldwide.
Inner Mongolia (China): Paradoxically, there are more Mongols living in China (around 6 million) than in the independent state of Mongolia.
Mongolia: Approximately 3.4 million people live in the country, of whom about 95% are ethnically Mongol (primarily from the Khalkha group).
Nomadic Tradition: Although half the population lives in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, a third of Mongols still maintain a pastoral nomadic lifestyle. They live in gers (circular yurts) and move with the "five sacred animals": horses, sheep, goats, camels, and cows/yaks.
The Horse: It is the heart of Mongolian culture. It is said that "a Mongol without a horse is like a bird without wings." They are expert riders from childhood.
Naadam: The most important festival, featuring competitions in the "three manly games": Mongolian wrestling, archery, and horse racing.
Language: They speak Mongolian. In the state of Mongolia, it is written with the Cyrillic alphabet, but there is an official movement to restore the traditional vertical script (which remains alive in Chinese Inner Mongolia).
Religion: Most are followers of Tibetan Buddhism (Gelug school). Many practices incorporate shamanism, especially the worship of the Eternal Blue Sky (Tengeri).
Photo Gallery: © Jordi Zaragozà Anglès / Mongolia - 2011
Extended info about Mongols People