The major influences on Mongolian culture are the millennia-old nomadic way of life and the esoteric, ritualistic Tibetan Buddhism which became the dominant religion in the 17th century, edging out previous shamanistic beliefs. Other notable influences over the ages include the Chinese and, since the 20th century, Russian culture. The felt ger (yurt) is a symbol of the country and its peoples’ national identity, with a large part of the population still living in the traditional circular tents, even within the border of the capital.

Mongolians are superstitious people, with good or bad omens taken very seriously. For example, negative speech is believed to attract ill-fortune or the unwanted attention of a malicious shaman, and children’s names are believed to impart destiny, fate and character. Hospitality is taken for granted due to its life-saving importance in the harsh winters, and ancient, epic warriors and heroes such as Genghis Khan are still greatly respected and admired. Mongolians are people of the horse, with riding in their blood and, in the steppes, children are put on horses at a very early age.

The country’s ancient musical tradition continues virtually unchanged in modern times, with iconic “throat-singing” a key element. Costumes are still worn in many places, with adjustments according to the tribe of the wearers. Chess, one of the world’s oldest games, is popular here, and Mongolia officially supports its traditional medicine practitioners, also highly regarded and developed in China up to the present day. Travelers visiting nomad settlements will unintentionally break taboos and make cultural gaffes from the minute they arrive, but the locals invariably understand and make the necessary allowances in accordance with their tradition of hospitality.