Mongolia

Context at a glance

Two daughters of Habitat homeowner Erdenetsogt

Situated between Russia and China, Mongolia is a vast and beautiful country. Temperatures range from -35 degrees C to + 35 degrees C. Nomadic herders still roam the landscape as they have done for generations. By contrast, Ulaanbaatar is a thriving, modern capital city of what was once the world's greatest empire.

Mongolia is a country in transition since the fall of Soviet-style communism in 1990. A centralised subsidised economy has given way to a market economy. The country has experienced high inflation, low wages and unemployment. More than one third of Mongolians live below the poverty line. Many have drifted into towns and cities in search of work, but unemployment is great, wages low and rents high. Decent housing has proved a particular problem with overcrowding and homelessness common and building materials expensive.

Habitat for Humanity programme

HFH Mongolia began in 1999 and operates three affiliates. It has rolled out "Save and Build" and "Save and Renovate" schemes, which are being used by dozens of savings groups involving hundreds of families.

The primary three-room house design covers up to 36 square metres. Toilets are built in separate blocks. The houses are made from brick or concrete blocks, with wood, concrete roof sheeting and Styrofoam for insulation. The buildings have to protect families against winter snows and summer dust storms.

Construction usually takes about 20 days, though building is only possible from May to October. Homeowners sign up for a six-year mortgage and repay about £13 a month.

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