Photo: Traditional Mongolian Ger

Mongolia is the most sparsely populated independent nation in the world. While almost 40% of Mongolians live in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital, a more traditional way of life is also practiced there. The ger, above, is a portable, felt-covered dwelling that has been used for more than 2,500 years by nomads on the steppes of Mongolia. Gers are very useful to the nomads for their ease of portability. The door of the ger typically faces south to let in the most light and prevents the northerly winds from entering inside.