Mongolia is located between Russia and China. It has a continental climate with very cold winters between -26°C and -40°C and short summers between +17°C and +28°C, giving it the coldest capital in the world. Mongolia was originally comprised of separate tribes and clans until 1206 when it was united by Genghis Khan, and it gained independence in 1921. The country is home to wild animals like horses, camels, and bears and over 2000 lakes with diverse bird life.