Zavkhan Aimag (Province)
Zavkhan aimag occupies the wide area of mountains, steppe and deserts in the western part of Mongolia. The aimag borders with Khovd and Uvs in the west, the Tuva Republic of the Russian Federation in the north, Khuvsgul and Arkhangai aimags in the east, Bayankhongor and Govi-Altai aimags in the southern part respectively. As the aimag is located in the western part of the Khangai range, the whole territory of the aimag is mountainous. The capital Uliastai sum is surrounded by many high mountains including the highest peak of Khangai range the Otgontenger (4,301m) and its branch mountains such as Tarvagatai (3,227m), Khurimt, Tudevtei, Gurvan Khaltar, Gyalgar and Bulnai mountain (2,619m) at its eastern part, by the branch mountains of the Tagnyn range in the northern part along the border line. The western part of the aimag is occupied with steppes with river valleys, hills and hillocks.
The aimag has over 200 springs and rivers with a steady current and over 100 big and small lakes. Among them are the Ider, Zavkhan, Tes, Mukhar, Khungui rivers and their inflows of Borkh, Yaruu, Shiree, Chigestei, Buyant, Shar-Us, Tumurt, Zart, Tsetsuukh, Khos Zaigal, Zuil, Uliastai, Ikh and Baga Bogd, and Chuluut rivers, the Khar Nuur, Telmen, Oigon, Khar Duruu, Bust, Ar and Uvur Badarkhundaga, Tsavdan, Chandmanii Khar, Bayan, Kholboo, Khukh Nuur and Tsagaan Nuur lakes, the Otgontenger, Bayanzurkh, Ulaankhaalga, Zart and Khojuulyn springs.
Larch grows in the Khangai Bulnai, Tagnyn ranges and in their branch mountains. Cedar forest covers the Tarvagatain mountain range. Potatoes, different types of vegetables, and sea buckthorn are grown in Ider, Tes, and Bogd river valleys. The northern and eastern parts of the aimag are covered with forest and taiga. Steppe vegetation is spread throughout the southern parts of the aimag. Wild berries are abundant in the forests. Forest, alpine and steppe birds and migrant birds inhabit the area. Endangered species of birds like snowcock, quail, wood grouse, swan, pelican, falcon, and hawk are also found in the aimag. Khar and Bayan lakes are abundant with different species of fish.
Selective breeds of local live stock such as Tulman Khukht goat, Bulnai Ox, Tes river horse, Sartuul Uutsan Suult sheep, Cashmere Khar goat, Talyn Ulaan cow are dominant among the domestic animals. The aimag has an Economics College which is a branch college of the Mongolian National University. Border crossing point to the Russian Federation the Arts suuri point is located in the Tes sum territory.
