Mongolia’s Street Children

Traditionally, Mongolians were nomadic people who lived in gers, makeshift tents that could easily be put up and dismantled when the family was ready to move to another pasture. As the country became modernized, people settled in cities and built permanent housing structures equipped with modern amenities, such as potable water, sewerage system and electricity.

But many of Ulaanbaatar’s poorest residents still live in gers or shacks. These dwellings lack any infrastructure, including running water. Instead people get water from a local well, which can be difficult in the winter.