Photos: Mongolia’s rapid modernization
June 4, 2013
New housing under construction is pictured behind traditional Mongolian tents called a "ger" or "yurt" outside Ulan Bator on June 4, 2013. The country is in the middle of a resources boom with the huge copper and gold Oyu Tolgoi soon to open and which will provide vast revenues for the government that can be spent on infrastructure and education if corruption can be kept in check. MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images ( Hkg8657381 )
A new hotel and office building stands beside the ancient Choijin Temple in Ulan Bator, Mongolia on June 2, 2013. The country is in the middle of a resources boom with the huge copper and gold Oyu Tolgoi soon to open and which will provide vast revenues for the government that can be spent on infrastructure and education if corruption can be kept in check. MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images ( Hkg8650490 )
Mongolian college graduates celebrate in front of a statue of Genghis Khan (back C) on Sukhbaatar Square in Ulan Bator on June 3, 2013. The country is in the middle of a resources boom with the huge copper and gold Oyu Tolgoi soon to open and which will provide vast revenues for the government that can be spent on infrastructure and education if corruption can be kept in check. MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images ( Hkg8653853 )
Mongolian college graduates celebrate in front of a statue of Genghis Khan on Sukhbaatar Square in Ulan Bator, Mongolia on June 3, 2013. The country is in the middle of a resources boom with the huge copper and gold Oyu Tolgoi soon to open and which will provide vast revenues for the government that can be spent on infrastructure and education if corruption can be kept in check. MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images ( Hkg8653867 )
Mongolian President Elbegdorj Tsahia (inside R), who received a Champion of the Earth award for policy leadership in 2012 talks with United Nations Environment Program director Achim Steiner (L) inside a traditional "ger" at the State Palace in Ulan Bator, Mongolia on June 3, 2013. The city is gearing up for World Environment Day which falls on June 5th. MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images ( Hkg8653728 )
Mongolian President Elbegdorj Tsahia (R), who received a Champion of the Earth Award for policy leadership in 2012, talks with United Nations Environment Program Director Achim Steiner (L) inside a traditional "ger" at the State Palace in Ulan Bator on June 3, 2013. The city is gearing up for World Environment Day which falls on June 5. MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images ( Hkg8653741 )
This photo taken on on May 31, 2013, a Mongolian family walk near an electric car for their child on Sukhbaatar Square in Ulan Bator, Mongolia. The country is in the middle of a resources boom with the huge copper and gold Oyu Tolgoi soon to open and which will provide vast revenues for the government that can be spent on infrastructure and education if corruption can be kept in check. MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images ( Del6221559 )
This photo taken on May 31,2013 shows a Mongolian boy beneath a statue of Genghis Khan on Sukhbaatar Square in Ulan Bator, Mongolia. The country is in the middle of a resources boom with the huge copper and gold Oyu Tolgoi soon to open and which will provide vast revenues for the government that can be spent on infrastructure and education if corruption can be kept in check. MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images ( Hkg8653875 )
Band members wait for the start of the fourth International Mongolian marathon in Ulan Bator, Mongolia on June 2, 2013. The race was won by Mongolian Olympic runner Bat-Ochiryn "Ziggy" Ser-Od and is held to promote World Environment Day which falls on June 5th. MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images ( Hkg8650114 )
A young Mongolian woman rides a mechanical bull at a carnival to celebrate International Children's Day at the Mongolian town of Bayangol on June 1, 2013. Mongolia, along with current and former Communist countries, celebrates their Children's Day on June 1. MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images ( Hkg8646784 )
Cyclists race during events to promote a No-Car day in Ulan Bator, Mongolia on June 2, 2013. The race is held to promote World Environment Day which falls on June 5th. MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images ( Hkg8650115 )
Young runners hold a banner before the start of the 4th International Mongolian marathon in Ulan Bator, Mongolia on June 2, 2013. The race was won by Mongolian Olympic runner Bat-Ochiryn "Ziggy" Ser-Od and is held to promote World Environment Day which falls on June 5th. MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images ( Hkg8650091 )
Foreign residents watch the fourth International Mongolian marathon in Ulan Bator, Mongolia on June 2, 2013. The race was won by Mongolian Olympic runner Bat-Ochiryn "Ziggy" Ser-Od and is held to promote World Environment Day which falls on June 5th. MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images ( Hkg8650094 )
A Mongolian family attends a carnival to celebrate International Children's Day at the Mongolian town of Bayangol on June 1, 2013. Mongolia, along with current and former Communist countries, celebrates their Children's Day on June 1. MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images ( Hkg8646739 )
A Mongolian child plays with a toy lion and tiger on Sukhbaatar Square in Ulan Bator, Mongolia on June 2, 2013. The country is in the middle of a resources boom with the huge copper and gold Oyu Tolgoi soon to open and which will provide vast revenues for the government that can be spent on infrastructure and education if corruption can be kept in check. MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images ( Hkg8650429 )
A car carrying balloons for sale arrives at Sukhbaatar Square in Ulan Bator, Mongolia on June 2, 2013. The country is in the middle of a resources boom with the huge copper and gold Oyu Tolgoi soon to open and which will provide vast revenues for the government that can be spent on infrastructure and education if corruption can be kept in check. MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images ( Hkg8650444 )
This photo taken on June 1, 2013 shows a roadside Buddhist shrine used by travelers and pilgrims to bless their journeys on the outskirts of Ulan Bator, Mongolia. The country traditionally practiced a shamanist religion but converted to Tibetan Buddhisn after their invasion of China in the 14th century. MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images ( Hkg8650149 )
This photo taken on June 3, 2013 shows Mongolians dancing during a birthday banquet in Ulan Bator. The country is in the middle of a resources boom with the huge copper and gold Oyu Tolgoi soon to open and which will provide vast revenues for the government that can be spent on infrastructure and education if corruption can be kept in check. MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images ( Hkg8657380 )
A new hotel building stands beside a screen wall from the ancient Choijin Temple in Ulan Bator, Mongolia on June 2, 2013. The country is in the middle of a resources boom with the huge copper and gold Oyu Tolgoi soon to open and which will provide vast revenues for the government that can be spent on infrastructure and education if corruption can be kept in check. MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images ( Hkg8650504 )
A car passes by a major road near as it heads to Ulan Bator, Mongolia on June 1, 2013. Mongolia is in the middle of a resources boom with the huge copper and gold Oyu Tolgoi soon to open and which will provide vast revenues for the government that can be spent on infrastructure and education if corruption can be kept in check. MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images ( Del6221561 )
A Mongolian herder rides on grassland outside Ulan Bator on June 4, 2013. The country is in the middle of a resources boom with the huge copper and gold Oyu Tolgoi soon to open and which will provide vast revenues for the government that can be spent on infrastructure and education if corruption can be kept in check. MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images ( Hkg8657388 )
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