For more information see the Mongolia profile.

The State of Mongolia, once known as Outer Mongolia, consists of grassland, forest, three major mountain ranges and the great Gobi Desert. Mongolia was dependent on the USSR for 70 years. Thus, the Soviet Union's collapse crippled the Mongolian economy with massive shortages, inflation and rising unemployment.

After independence from Manchu and Chinese domination in 1911, a Soviet-supported revolution in 1921 installed a repressive communist government. Although communism was renounced and a multi-party democracy instituted in 1992, the reformed Communist
party was victorious in the elections.

With guaranteed freedom of religion, the Mongolian church is a reality for the first time in modern history. However, most provinces have no indigenous Christian presence and foreign missionaries are not officially permitted.