Uulangong
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| Flag of Uulangong | |
| Motto: "Uulangong Shall Be Forever Free" | |
| No Map Available Yet | |
| Region | Mongolia |
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| Capital | Büdn Agrüb |
| Official Language(s) | Uulangongi |
| Leader | President Aglar Burnämbaymar |
| Population | 4,250,000 |
| Currency | Bugdur |
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Uulangong is a small nation located in the region of Mongolia. It possesses a distinctive culture and history, and is best-known for its inhabitants' cultural style, which is centered around their homeland in the steppes. Many citizens are farmers (raising sheep, yak, and horses) while a large number reside in the capital city of Büdn Agrüb.
Government
Uulangong's government is a social-democratic one. Free elections for the position of President are held every three years, while the 325-member Parliament (Modingurii) is elected from the various regions every three years, eighteen months through each President's term. This allows the President to change his policies to suit the opinions of the Uulangongi people, while restricting runaway Presidential power. Various other positions are elected in the nation, from municipal and regional leaders to the Prime Minister (who is chosen by the Modingurii and checked via a popular referendum.
The government, though large and powerful, has been able to stave off bureaucracy for the most part. It has a streamlined system which allows citizens to run their own businesses, but taxes them heavily and provides them with numerous necessities.
Uulangong is divided into fifteen regions (Āgram), which possess autonomy on certain levels but are under the control of central government in most cases. The capital is by far the most populous of these regions. These sectors elect individual leaders on their own pace (though elections must be held at least every six years) and small-scale legislative bodies resolve civil disputes and domestic affairs. However, most legislation must be passed by the entire nation, and the Modingurii has far more power than these regional officers.
Economy
The economy is predominantly agrarian, and livestock farming is by far the most profitable business in the country. Uulangong's main herds come in the form of sheep, yak, horses (a national symbol) and, in some areas, camels. Farmers are usually paid by the state and must give their products to the government, but many independent agriculture operations exist. The government tries to restrict these, though, being more lenient towards urban businesses. Agriculture is too important to be left to independent farmers, according to the leading political parties.
Some wheat and fruit are grown, but the cold climate does not suit most forms of edible vegeation. As such, grain products must usually be imported. Most grain is used to make vodka (while not a national drink, it is certaninly common) and various other well-known Uulangongi alcoholic beverages.
In the cities, small businesses flourish. Chief among them are hotels, inns, and restaurants, but many pawn shops and specialty stores are in operation, as well. The government allows these businesses to exist, but watches private interests closely to monitor growth. Any companies which grow too large risk being investigated and possibly closed down. Foreign corporations have entered the capital, but their influence is small.
The economy can generally be described as 'social-democratic'. Capitalism is accepted, but the state controls all major industries. Airlines, hospitals, and schools must be government-run, with the only exceptions being Lamaist school-monasteries in the mountains.
Culture
Religion
The vast majority of Uulangongi people are Buddhists of the Lamaist sect. Many male citizens are monks; one can rarely travel the country without coming across several isolated monasteries or temple complexes. Monks have great influence in politics, though the government does not recognize one religion as the 'correct' one. Many Buddhist holy days and celebrations are accepted by the state, nonetheless. The leader of Uulangongi Buddhism is the Lama Pütrangai, or 'Holy Emperor'. He resides in a mountain temple but emerges frequently to greet followers and lead ceremonies.
Art
Uulangongi art is known around the world. It varies in style greatly; Buddhist sand paintings are favorites among the cultured population, while various other forms of religious art are also favored by the elite. Painting and architectural styles have been heavily influenced by Tibetan and Chinese traditions; ornate artwork and beautifully-designed buildings are frequently seen in both urban and rural areas. Chinese-style homes and temples emphasive horizontal shape and size, and are generally made from red wood. Bricks, though commonly seen, are not preferred as a building material.
Cuisine
Uulangongi food is simplistic in nature, reflecting the country's pastoral culture and economic system. Meat, especially yak and sheep meat, are enjoyed in many meals. Horse meat is rare at best, as the animal is sacred to most farmers. Rice is almost always seen as a side dish, alongside yogurt and vegetables. Tea is had before every meal, and often between them in place of a snack. The ceremony of tea drinking is a major part of culture in Uulangong.
