Mongolia, nearly as large as Western Europe, has fewer than three million inhabitants. Its soil harbors immense mineral resources. The country undoubtedly has potential, but freedom is still young, and democratic thinking is foreign. It's been less than twenty years since the Soviets withdrew from Mongolia. They brought much cruelty but also cities, industries, and public services to the traditionally nomadic land. After their departure, almost everything came to a standstill. Foreign mining companies and corrupt government officials primarily benefit from the underground wealth, while a third of Mongolia's population, the modern heirs of Genghis Khan, live below the poverty line.