Objectives: Known to most as the horse-loving homeland of Chinggis Khan, Mongolia is today a country of increasing geopolitical, economic, and popular cultural significance. But even as an increasing number of health workers visit the country, its healthcare system remains unexplored in the medical literature. Here follows a broad-brushstrokes overview of the modern medical system of Mongolia, its structure and challenges. It is comprised of an overview of the country's demographics, health profile, and medical history, followed by a brief summary of selected issues that affect the modern healthcare system. Methods: Descriptive single-case study consisting of clinical observations by the authors, original hospital-level data, and interviews with practitioners and policymakers. Results: The Mongolian healthcare system has performed well through the tumultuous transition from a socialist to a capitalist economy. Our analysis reveals three areas that require improvement: delivery of care, practitioner experience, and health systems administration. Conclusion: This article reviews not only the history and structure of the modern Mongolian healthcare system, but also its strengths and challenges. It is hoped that in explicating these issues, current and future efforts to assist Mongolian healthcare providers may be directed more constructively and efficiently.

Objectives: To measure personal exposure to air pollution in children, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Methods: Since coal burning for domestic heating causes severe air pollution in Ulaanbaatar, we measured personal PM2.5 exposure for children aged 5-12 years during the winter 2013-2014. Results: Peak levels of black carbon PM2.5 exposure >200 µg/m3 between November and March varied significantly with time of day, with the highest peak 18:00-02:00, a nadir 02:00-07:00, followed by a second peak 07:00 -12:00, with another afternoon nadir 12:00-18:00. Children living in Ger districts in a Ger or wooden house, had the highest levels of PM2.5, >500 µg/m3 , with duration of personal peak exposure in Gers 8-fold longer than in wooden houses. Conclusion: Peak exposures in Gers were related to going outside, fire lighting and cooking, whereas in wooden houses peak exposures were related to going outside or opening the door. The least exposure for children was in an apartment or school with the windows shut. Significant levels of personal exposure also occurred during the commute to school, outside playtime, shopping trips and car rides. Opening the window of steam heated apartments for “fresh air cooling” as well as indoor smoking also produced important levels of personal exposure.