Territory: 141,400 km² Population (2000): 62,800 Capital: Altai, 1,005 km from UB Number of Somons: 18 Gobi-Altai Province was established in 1940.

Detailed map of the province

Gobi-Altai Province lies in western Mongolia and shares a southern border with China.

The majestic peaks of Sutai, Azh Bogd, Tayan, Edren and Burkhan buudai stretch from north to south across the aimag's territory. The highest summit is Sutai, crowned with eternal snows at 4,226 metres elevation.

The semi-desert regions of Sharga, Dukhum, Zakhuu, Zarman, Biger, Alagnuur, Tsengkher and Nomin extend between these mountains.

Nearly all plant species and soils display the characteristic features of steppe. The semi-deserts of Zakhui, Zarman and Nomin boast magnificent oases with willows, elm, populus diversifolia, rushes and reeds.

The region is also home to roughly twenty salt lakes of varying extent. Notable examples include Tonkhil, Ikhes, Alag, Shargiin, Tsagaan and Biger lakes.

Populus diversifolia flora, willow and tamarisk flourish in certain Gobi regions, while sea-buckthorn, poplar and willow thrive in more humid areas. In mountainous regions, you'll find larch, curgana pygmaya, sympegma and wild rose.

The region supports a rich diversity of wildlife. Wild sheep populations coexist with ibex, deer, snow leopards, lynx, wildcats, wolves, foxes, ermines and marmots. The Altai mountains are also home to eagles, falcons, condors and vultures. In the desert, you can encounter camels and wild horses, Mongolian saiga, black-tailed antelope, wild boar and Gobi bears.

Agriculture is the principal economic sector. In 1998, production reached 1,566.8 million tugriks with turnover of 1,277.6 million tugriks.

Livestock: 2,113,100 comprising:

Horses: 106,500 Camels: 35,300 Cattle: 85,200 Sheep: 857,100 Goats: 1,029,500