Mongolian culture and history has been formed in large part by the dynamic forces of nature and struggle that are embodied in the ancient nomadic existance of the Mongol peoples.
Health care facilities are improving in Ulaanbaatar and provincial capitals but still short of Western standards. Serious medical emergencies may require evacuation to Beijing or Seoul. Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for health services.
Mongolia continues to adhere to the Soviet model of 10 years of school education of which 8 are compulsory, although this is being gradually extended in the direction of the European model.