Mongol

Member of any of the various Mongol (or Mongolian) ethnic groups of central Asia. Mongols live in Mongolia, Russia, Inner Mongolia (China), Tibet, and Nepal. The Mongol language belongs to the Altaic family, although some groups of Mongol descent speak languages in the Sino-Tibetan family.

The Mongols are primarily pastoral nomads, herding sheep, horses, cattle, and camels. Traditionally they moved with their animals in summer to the higher pastures, returning in winter to the lower steppes. The government of Mongolia now encourages more sedentary forms of pastoralism, and winter quarters are often more permanent. About 60% of the Mongolian population live in felt-covered domed tents known as yurts. Many Mongols are Buddhists.