Mongolia, North Asia
Population: 2,951,786
Political Leader: President Nambaryn Enkhbayar
Religions: Other 45.6%, Shamanist 31.2%, Buddhism 22.5%, Christianity 0.7%,
Persecution Ranking: Not Ranked
Number of Terrorist Groups: None Listed
Acts of Terrorism: 1; Casualties: 1
Percent of Corruption: 72%
% of People in Poverty: 36.1%

Location:
Mongolia is a country typically classified as being a part of East Asia, although sometimes it is considered part of Central Asia, and the northern rim of historical Mongolia extends into North Asia. It is bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south. The geography of Mongolia is varied with the Gobi desert to the south and with cold and mountainous regions to the north and west. Mongolia consists of relatively flat steppes.

Terrorism:
There were no known terrorist groups operating in Mongolia and no known bases of support. However, Mongolian government officials cited more than 6,000 kilometers of porous borders, easy entry for foreign travelers and poverty as conditions that terrorists could exploit and moved to increase awareness of terrorism and to consider new laws. On July 8, 2006, a law to combat money laundering and terrorist financing offenses was approved by the Mongolian Parliament. The Mongolian police, Ministry of Justice, and the General Intelligence Agency's counterterrorism branch all cooperated with the U.S. to willingly provide requested support. As a result of resource and technical limitations, however, law enforcement capacities, including those related to counterterrorism, remained modest.

Religion:
Over half the population follow Buddhism or Shamanism or both. Mongolia has strong links with Tibet and most Buddhist Mongolians will try to visit Lhasa in Tibet at least once in their lifetime. Christians comprised only 0.7% of the population.

Challenges for Christians:
The constitution provides for freedom of religion, but the government limits proselytizing and some religious groups faced bureaucratic harassment or are denied registration.

Prayer Points:

• Pray for the Mongolian government to remain diligent in fighting terrorism and combat terrorist financing.
• Pray that terrorists would not be able to exploit Mongolia’s porous borders, easy entry for foreign travelers and poverty conditions.
• Mongolia used to be one of the most difficult countries for Christians to enter. Thank God that things are now a lot easier and there are around 4,000 Christians from around the world working in Mongolia.
• The number of Christians in Mongolia has grown rapidly. There may have been only 4 in 1989 and that number grew to 10,000 by the year 2000. Thank God for the growth of His church in Mongolia.
• The country is in desperate need of courageous leadership to begin to overcome Mongolia’s widespread poverty and unemployment. Pray for God to deliver Mongolia from these conditions, so that Mongolians will turn to Him.
• There are Christians meeting in nearly every one of Mongolia’s provinces. Pray for effective discipleship that helps people to understand the Bible and get to know Jesus personally.
• The churches are mostly made up of loads of young people together with a few grandmothers and grandfathers. Pray that these Christians would be equipped to tell their families about Jesus and reach other generations.
• Buddhism has a stronghold in Mongolia and much of this is rooted in even older traditions of using witch doctors and the occult. Pray that Mongolians would find total freedom in following Jesus.

Sources: 24-7 Prayer, Operation World, Wikipedia, Country Reports on Terrorism 2006, International Religious Freedom Report 2007, Open Doors, The World Factbook

ADDITIONAL INFO ON MOROCCO

• View additional info on the Joshua Project site
• Praying Through The Window 6
• Praying Through The Window 7
• Praying Through The Window 8
• 2006 Weekly Prayer Points

Leader Profile

Leaders:
President Natsagiyn Bagabandi
Prime Minister Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj

When thinking of Mongolia, it's easy to imagine visions of the untamed: Genghis Khan, camels wandering the Gobi Desert and wild horses galloping across the vast semiarid grass-covered plains. Even today, outside the capital city of Ulaan Baatar, one may feel as if he stepped back in time. The Mongolian way of life is nomadic and intimately connected with the ways of animals. Despite urbanization, the traditions of the steppes live on. Even in the cities, most Mongolians still live in a ger, a large, white felt tent that can be moved easily. Inside each is an altar with Buddhist images and family photos. Like many developing countries, Mongolia suffers from a young and very rapidly growing population, which has put great strains on its economy. Many Mongolians struggle with severe poverty.

Mongolia's current president, Natsagiyn Bagabandi, was elected in 1997 and is a Buddhist who received his education in the former Soviet Union. Upon reelection in 2001, President Bagabandi promised to tackle rampant corruption. While constitutionally, the president represents the whole nation, he has not concealed his partiality for the communist Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP). His controversial interpretations of the constitution have disrupted the appointment of several prime ministers. However, his vetoes can be overruled by parliament, the Great Hural.

In August of 2004, ending two months of deadlock following disputed elections, Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj of the Democratic Coalition was appointed the new prime minister by parliament after agreeing to share power with the MPRP. He received a Masters degree from Harvard University in the U.S. His Democratic Coalition won 36 out of 76 seats in parliament, dealing a stunning blow to the governing former communist MPRP which held all but four seats in the previous assembly. It will be only the second Democrat administration after decades of rule by MPRP.

Prayer points:
Pray that God speak to both the president and prime minister concerning the truth of Jesus Christ.
Pray that the people will hear the Gospel.

Almighty God, there is no lack with You. We praise You for being the great Provider. Have mercy on those living in Mongolia who are so poor. Both their Buddhist and Communist histories have left them empty and blind. Touch their hearts and open their eyes to see Jesus. We pray for Your Spirit of truth to invade the hearts of both the president and new prime minister. Enable these opposing parties to be able to work together. Direct the thoughts of these leaders to work for the good of the people of Mongolia, we ask in the name of Jesus.