Why children in Mongolia need your help

Mongolia is a landlocked country in central Asia, bordered by Russia and China and is only 28 miles from Kazakhstan at its most easterly tip. Conditions for children in Mongolia have improved considerably in the past decade since the introduction of child protection laws. There has also been success against diseases such as polio and measles, and increasing attendance at primary school.

Despite such improvements, children in Mongolia still experience considerable hardship. Many Mongolians rely on farming of crops and livestock for their income, but due to the country's extreme climate - cold and snowstorms, drought, fires and floods - they often face loss of income and shortage of food. As a result, they are faced with malnutrition, disease outbreaks and economic hardship.

Children in rural areas are particularly vulnerable, with the lack of nutritious food contributing not only to hunger but also to weakened immune systems, extreme fatigue and poor health.

Country facts

In 1921, with Soviet assistance, Mongolia gained independence from China and the Communist regime was implemented in 1924. In 1949, it was recognised by China and in 1961 became a member of the United Nations. In 1990, the Soviet-style one party state was abolished and the country has since embraced political reform.

Mongolia is an independent country ruled by a democratic coalition whose main trading partners are Russia and China. Mongolia sits on generous resource deposits, such as coal and copper, however to date these have remained largely under-utilised.

Mongolia has received significant support from the International Monetary Fund, but economic development remains slow.

• Population: 2.6 million
• Capital: Ulaanbaatar
• Major languages: Mongolian
• Major religions: Buddhism
• Life expectancy: 64 years