State and modern administrative-political division

Mongolia possesses advanced statehood traditions. The first centralized Mongolian state was formed in 1206. It was then that kurultai (convention of khans of all Mongolian tribes) acknowledged Genghis Khan’s supremacy. However, as early as in the 12th century his predecessors united into the “State of all Mongolians” (Khamag mongol ulus). Ulus is a state with absolute public military-democratic power. Such system was convenient for nomads: ulus was mobile but always had its own territory for migrations – nuntuk. In such state people with cattle and possessions had more value than land. People of the same ulus did not necessarily live together or next to each other; it was their belonging to a certain ulus that was important.

Since 1924 the Mongolian People’s Republic has developed as an independent state. Its superior legislative body is the State Great Khural (Congress of People’s Delegates), and in the period between its sessions – the Presidium of the State Great Khural. The deputies are elected according to the 1960 Constitution basing on general, equal and direct suffrage by secret vote. The supreme executive and administrative body is the Council of Ministers. The country is divided into 18 aimaks (regions). They consist of sums – administrative-economic units, which are over 300 in number. Local power is executed by aimak, sum and city khurals. The largest city is Ulan-Bator, the capital of the country.

Horsemen in medieval costumes. The 800 anniversary   of Mongolian state foundation.   Mongolia. Mongols. P. Rykin. 2006		Palace of Bogdy-han - ruler of North Mongolia   in the early 20th cent.  Mongolia, Ulan-Bator. Mongols. D. Ivanov. 2006		Portrait of Genghis Khan made of stones on the mountain   slope in the outskirts of Ulan-Bator.  Mongolia. Mongols. D. Ivanov. 2006
The colour of all-time blue sky is the colour of national flag of Mongolia and symbol of the country. Mongolia. The Mongols. Rykin P., 2005.		Mongolia.