Ulaanbaatar - Post Report Question and Answers
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Mongolia is a really interesting place and very beautiful outside of the city. However, there’s nothing positive I can say about UB. It’s not an easy place to live, especially in the winter months. - Jan 2024
If you are in the U.S. State Department, I highly recommend bidding UB! - Aug 2022
Bid Mongolia. It is a special place and has its challenges, but it is so rewarding. It is a beautiful place. - Jan 2022
Yes, it's cold and far, far away but this is a beautiful off the beaten track kind of posting. We extended our assignment as others have done and we'll be sad to leave Mongolia. - Oct 2016
Mongolians remain the descendents of Gengis Khan (Chinggis Khaan). They are warriors (men and women) and are fierce, proud, rude, strong, and straightforward. They are very different from other Asian societies I have experienced. I get along with them very well, but it takes an open mind. There is a large and growing divide between the lifestyles of city and country people. - May 2012
Unique culture, long cold winters but, worth the experience -- Once! - Feb 2012
(1) Geographically and logistically remote, Ulaanbaatar is one of the most isolated missions in the Foreign Service.(2) The Mongolian government is aware of the pollution issues and making strides to reduce its high levels. (3) I often equate Mongolia, especially Ulaanbaatar, to how the U.S. was at the turn of the 19th century. (4) Driving is manical in this country, especially in Ulaanbaatar. People will create their own lanes, make left turns from the far right lane, jaywalking is not only legal, but it's the only way pedestrians cross the street, street signs are nonexistent and traffic lights rarely work. Man hole covers are often missing. The covers have either been stolen for the metal or kids leave covers off since they live in the sewers during the winter.(5) Enjoy and keep your mind open when visiting or living in the land of Changgis Khan. - Feb 2011
If you can enjoy yourself without a lot of external stimulation except for the outdoors, this is a good place to be. The outdoors is a glory. Most Mongolians who live in the city despair of their government and complain bitterly about corruption and inefficiency. The support for the government increases in the rural areas (which Mongolians call "the countryside"). Inflation gallops along and unemployment is high. The failure of the government to rationally use the country's considerable natural resources (i.e. mining) has harmed Mongolia a great deal. - Jan 2009
