The Asia Foundation

This edition of the Corruption Benchmarking Survey covers the six months from March to September 2008. This survey is the sixth in a series, and provides time series data that identifies trends and patterns in citizen awareness, intolerance...

This edition of the Corruption Benchmarking Survey covers the six months from March to September 2008. This survey is the sixth in a series, and provides time series data that identifies trends and patterns in citizen awareness, intolerance for corruption, and support for measures to combat corruption.

The purpose of the survey series is to better understand the scope and incidence of corruption at the household level in Mongolia. Findings and conclusions serve to benchmark changes in experience, attitudes and perceptions over an extended period of time, and thereby contribute to better-informed policy-making, and the refinement of interventions and activities that inform and engage citizens as active participants in the effort to combat corruption in Mongolia.

Mongolia's past two decades of rapid political, economic, and social change have resulted in a strong democratic foundation and high rates of mineral-driven economic growth. However, Mongolia still faces many governance challenges, including...

Mongolia's past two decades of rapid political, economic, and social change have resulted in a strong democratic foundation and high rates of mineral-driven economic growth. However, Mongolia still faces many governance challenges, including weak administrative processes, a lack of transparency and accountability, and corruption. Conflicts of interest are common as politics and economic interests are often intertwined.

The Mongolian economy is growing at an unprecedented rate. Sustained economic growth is boosting gross domestic product (GDP), supporting job creation, reducing poverty levels, and allowing the economy to expand into new fields. Despite these...

The Mongolian economy is growing at an unprecedented rate. Sustained economic growth is boosting gross domestic product (GDP), supporting job creation, reducing poverty levels, and allowing the economy to expand into new fields. Despite these impressive successes, there have been persistent reports in the media about the existence of corrupt practices. These reports often relate to government employees asking businessmen for non-stipulated fees in return for services, for example, to process or expedite obtaining permits and documents, such as licenses, needed by business to operate. Until now, there has been no data about the pervasiveness of corrupt practices affecting business-government relations in Mongolia. The Study of Private Perceptions of Corruption (STOPP) was designed to obtain a picture of the extent of corruption, based on the experience of members of the business community. Interviewing representatives of small, medium, and large sized business enterprises, this study captures the similarities and differences companies face in relation to corrupt practices, breaking down the findings by sector.

The Mongolian economy is growing at an unprecedented rate. Sustained economic growth is boosting gross domestic product (GDP), supporting job creation, reducing poverty levels, and allowing the economy to expand into new...

The Mongolian economy is growing at an unprecedented rate. Sustained economic growth is boosting gross domestic product (GDP), supporting job creation, reducing poverty levels, and allowing the economy to expand into new fields. Despite these impressive successes, there have been persistent reports in the media about the existence of corrupt practices. These reports often relate to government employees asking businessmen for non-stipulated fees in return for services, for example, to process or expedite obtaining permits and documents, such as licenses, needed by business to operate. Until now, there has been no data about the pervasiveness of corrupt practices affecting business-government relations in Mongolia. The Study of Private Perceptions of Corruption (STOPP) was designed to obtain a picture of the extent of corruption, based on the experience of members of the business community. Interviewing representatives of small, medium, and large sized business enterprises, this study captures the similarities and differences companies face in relation to corrupt practices, breaking down the findings by sector.

In July 2011, Mongolia assumed the Presidency of the Community of Democracies (CoD) from Lithuania. Mongolia's priorities for its two-year term include education for democracy, strengthening regional cooperation, exchange of experiences,...

In July 2011, Mongolia assumed the Presidency of the Community of Democracies (CoD) from Lithuania. Mongolia's priorities for its two-year term include education for democracy, strengthening regional cooperation, exchange of experiences, collaboration with civil society, advancing women's empowerment and countering corruption. The Asia Foundation is supporting Mongolia in its efforts to make the CoD a more operational and action-oriented body.

In 2010, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with the Zorig Foundation, launched a scholarship program funded by the Shirin Pandju Merali Foundation. The Program supports university education for 120 female students who were unable to continue...

In 2010, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with the Zorig Foundation, launched a scholarship program funded by the Shirin Pandju Merali Foundation. The Program supports university education for 120 female students who were unable to continue their education due to financial constraints.

In 2010, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with the Zorig Foundation, launched a scholarship program funded by the Shirin Pandju Merali Foundation. The program supports university education for 120 female students who were unable to continue...

In 2010, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with the Zorig Foundation, launched a scholarship program funded by the Shirin Pandju Merali Foundation. The program supports university education for 120 female students who were unable to continue their education due to financial constraints.

The Survey on Perceptions and Knowledge of Corruption (SPEAK) is an integral part of the USAID-funded Strengthening Transparency and Governance in Mongolia (STAGE) program implemented by The Asia Foundation. The SPEAK survey builds on the...

The Survey on Perceptions and Knowledge of Corruption (SPEAK) is an integral part of the USAID-funded Strengthening Transparency and Governance in Mongolia (STAGE) program implemented by The Asia Foundation. The SPEAK survey builds on the semi-annual corruption benchmarking survey conducted under the USAID-funded Mongolian Anti-Corruption Support (MACS) project. While the past eleven surveys probed both citizens' perceptions and actual experience of corruption at the household level, the SPEAK survey has been expanded to capture data on perceptions and knowledge of administrative practices and grand corruption. Additionally, the SPEAK survey will be complemented by the Foundation's newly introduced Study of Private Perceptions of Corruption (STOPP) which is designed to capture data on perceptions of corruption of business sector. Together, the surveys will provide a much broader picture of the level of corruption in Mongolia. The Sant Maral Foundation (SMF) has been The Asia Foundation's implementing partner for both the surveys.

The Survey on Perceptions and Knowledge of Corruption (SPEAK) is an integral part of the USAID-funded Strengthening Transparency and Governance in Mongolia (STAGE) program implemented by The Asia Foundation. The SPEAK survey builds on the...

The Survey on Perceptions and Knowledge of Corruption (SPEAK) is an integral part of the USAID-funded Strengthening Transparency and Governance in Mongolia (STAGE) program implemented by The Asia Foundation. The SPEAK survey builds on the semi-annual corruption benchmarking survey conducted under the USAID-funded Mongolian Anti-Corruption Support (MACS) project. While the past eleven surveys probed both citizens' perceptions and actual experience of corruption at the household level, the SPEAK survey has been expanded to capture data on perceptions and knowledge of administrative practices and grand corruption. Additionally, the SPEAK survey will be complemented by the Foundation's newly introduced Study of Private Perceptions of Corruption (STOPP) which is designed to capture data on perceptions of corruption of business sector. Together, the surveys will provide a much broader picture of the level of corruption in Mongolia. The Sant Maral Foundation (SMF) has been The Asia Foundation's implementing partner for both the surveys.

On December 1st the Asia Foundation launched its newest and most ambitious program in Mongolia. The three-year Dutch-funded effort is entitled: “Securing our Future: Mongolia Natural Capital Conservation and Environmental Protection...

On December 1st the Asia Foundation launched its newest and most ambitious program in Mongolia. The three-year Dutch-funded effort is entitled: “Securing our Future: Mongolia Natural Capital Conservation and Environmental Protection Program.” The program comprises elements that will build a strong partnership between public, private and NGO sector representatives in an effort to promote a common framework of understanding and knowledge that will yield constructive dialogue leading to responsible mining that protects environmental and human health.

Mongolian version-

On December 1st the Asia Foundation launched its newest and most ambitious program in Mongolia. The three-year Dutch-funded effort is entitled: “Securing our Future: Mongolia Natural Capital Conservation and...

Mongolian version-

On December 1st the Asia Foundation launched its newest and most ambitious program in Mongolia. The three-year Dutch-funded effort is entitled: “Securing our Future: Mongolia Natural Capital Conservation and Environmental Protection Program.” The program comprises elements that will build a strong partnership between public, private and NGO sector representatives in an effort to promote a common framework of understanding and knowledge that will yield constructive dialogue leading to responsible mining that protects environmental and human health.

On March 10, 2006, The Asia Foundation signed an important agreement with the Children’s Book Palace that will provide space and help to distribute as many as 100,000 books nationwide over the next three years. The event was attended by...

On March 10, 2006, The Asia Foundation signed an important agreement with the Children’s Book Palace that will provide space and help to distribute as many as 100,000 books nationwide over the next three years. The event was attended by Minister of Education, Culture and Sciences Enkhtuvshin, Deputy Secretary of MPRP, Idevkhten, U.S. Ambassador Pamela J.Slutz, and Todd Smith, Head of the Canada Fund. The Asia Foundation’s Books for Asia program received generous support from both the U.S. Embassy and from the Canada Fund, which put books in the hands of tens of thousands of students, scholars, and citizens nationwide.

An estimated 600,000-800,000 women, and children are trafficked across international borders each year, approximately 80 percent are young women and girls, and up to 50 percent are minors. Everyday across Asia men, women, and children are...

An estimated 600,000-800,000 women, and children are trafficked across international borders each year, approximately 80 percent are young women and girls, and up to 50 percent are minors. Everyday across Asia men, women, and children are deceived, lured across borders and exploited. Mongolia is not immune to this crime. The Asia Foundation and its newest partner, the 55,000 member strong, Mongolian Students’ Union (MSU) launched a major campaign to prevent trafficking in May.

On July 7, 2006, The Asia Foundation, through its Book for Asia Program, partnered with Elsevier Asia-Pacific and donated over 1,500 medical books and education materials to the Health Science University of Mongolia (HSUM). The book donation...

On July 7, 2006, The Asia Foundation, through its Book for Asia Program, partnered with Elsevier Asia-Pacific and donated over 1,500 medical books and education materials to the Health Science University of Mongolia (HSUM). The book donation supports research, training, and contributes broadly to medical education in Mongolia.

Mongolian language version

On July 7, 2006, The Asia Foundation, through its Book for Asia Program, partnered with Elsevier Asia-Pacific and donated over 1,500 medical books and education materials to the Health Science University of...

Mongolian language version

On July 7, 2006, The Asia Foundation, through its Book for Asia Program, partnered with Elsevier Asia-Pacific and donated over 1,500 medical books and education materials to the Health Science University of Mongolia (HSUM). The book donation supports research, training, and contributes broadly to medical education in Mongolia.

The Khan Bank - Asia Foundation “Mobile Library” successfully completed its first 20-day journey on the 26th of August. It traveled across South and South-Western parts of Mongolia in an effort to promote education and learning...

The Khan Bank - Asia Foundation “Mobile Library” successfully completed its first 20-day journey on the 26th of August. It traveled across South and South-Western parts of Mongolia in an effort to promote education and learning nationwide. Khan Bank and the Asia foundation representatives delivered 11,000 books to 9 soums in Uvs, Arkhangai, Uvurkhangai and Zavkhan aimags.

Mongolian language version

The Khan Bank - Asia Foundation “Mobile Library” successfully completed its first 20-day journey on the 26th of August. It traveled across South and South-Western parts of Mongolia in an effort to...

Mongolian language version

The Khan Bank - Asia Foundation “Mobile Library” successfully completed its first 20-day journey on the 26th of August. It traveled across South and South-Western parts of Mongolia in an effort to promote education and learning nationwide. Khan Bank and the Asia foundation representatives delivered 11,000 books to 9 soums in Uvs, Arkhangai, Uvurkhangai and Zavkhan aimags.

Community and public radio is a powerful force for democracy and development in Mongolia. The Gobi Wave radio station in Dalamzagad, Umnu Gobi Aimag, is among the leaders in a movement to provide objective and uncensored news to local and...

Community and public radio is a powerful force for democracy and development in Mongolia. The Gobi Wave radio station in Dalamzagad, Umnu Gobi Aimag, is among the leaders in a movement to provide objective and uncensored news to local and regional audiences. Gobi Wave broadcasts on FM 103.6 for approximately 12 hours everyday. On two days, Gobi broadcasts for two hours using the national long-wave transmitters. Using long wave, Gobi reaches populations in five aimags, and is their lifeline to news and information.

Mongolian language version

Community and public radio is a powerful force for democracy and development in Mongolia. The Gobi Wave radio station in Dalamzagad, Umnu Gobi Aimag, is among the leaders in a movement to provide objective...

Mongolian language version

Community and public radio is a powerful force for democracy and development in Mongolia. The Gobi Wave radio station in Dalamzagad, Umnu Gobi Aimag, is among the leaders in a movement to provide objective and uncensored news to local and regional audiences. Gobi Wave broadcasts on FM 103.6 for approximately 12 hours everyday. On two days, Gobi broadcasts for two hours using the national long-wave transmitters. Using long wave, Gobi reaches populations in five aimags, and is their lifeline to news and information.

On June 4th President Enkhbayar opened the National Forum to Combat Corruption at the Government House, and proclaimed the government’s will to lead this effort. The event was attended by senior-ranking government officials and served...

On June 4th President Enkhbayar opened the National Forum to Combat Corruption at the Government House, and proclaimed the government’s will to lead this effort. The event was attended by senior-ranking government officials and served evidence of governmental will to fight corruption and restore pride and integrity in the public and private sectors. “Fighting corruption begins at the top,” according to Mr. Tony Kwok, Honorary Advisor to the Anti-Corruption Agency, and an Asia Foundation advisor.

The Asia Foundation provided a grant to the Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA) which now trains 500 poor households every year to raise vegetables and poultry, and thereby generate income. This effort is intended to reduce...

The Asia Foundation provided a grant to the Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA) which now trains 500 poor households every year to raise vegetables and poultry, and thereby generate income. This effort is intended to reduce poverty, inspire micro-entrepreneurship, build stronger communities and neighbourhoods, and discourage social ills such as alcoholism, and domestic violence against women and children.

The Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization, established in 1999. The association’s main activities are to train single-parent women-headed households to grow and sell organic...

The Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization, established in 1999. The association’s main activities are to train single-parent women-headed households to grow and sell organic vegetables and poultry, and thereby increase their income.

In 2006 and 2007, The Asia Foundation (TAF) provided grants to the MWFA as part of its program promoting economic development and fighting against domestic violence. This report is an evaluation and assessment of the benefits and impacts of the project. 

Mongolian version

The Asia Foundation provided a grant to the Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA) which now trains 500 poor households every year to raise vegetables and poultry, and thereby generate income. This effort...

Mongolian version

The Asia Foundation provided a grant to the Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA) which now trains 500 poor households every year to raise vegetables and poultry, and thereby generate income. This effort is intended to reduce poverty, inspire micro-entrepreneurship, build stronger communities and neighbourhoods, and discourage social ills such as alcoholism, and domestic violence against women and children.

The study is a longitudinal survey using multilevel randomization. It is designed to measure both changes in public attitudes and country-specific indicators that are comparable across countries. Some of the survey components were modeled on...

The study is a longitudinal survey using multilevel randomization. It is designed to measure both changes in public attitudes and country-specific indicators that are comparable across countries. Some of the survey components were modeled on the Transparency International Global Corruption Barometer (GCB), and measure personal experience with corruption, in addition to perceptions. This third survey was conducted in March 2007 and comprised 600 respondents in Ulaanbaatar, Selenge, Sukhbaatar, Uvurkhangai and Uvs aimags.

Mongolian version

The study is a longitudinal survey using multilevel randomization. It is designed to measure both changes in public attitudes and country-specific indicators that are comparable across countries. Some of the survey...

Mongolian version

The study is a longitudinal survey using multilevel randomization. It is designed to measure both changes in public attitudes and country-specific indicators that are comparable across countries. Some of the survey components were modeled on the Transparency International Global Corruption Barometer (GCB), and measure personal experience with corruption, in addition to perceptions. This third survey was conducted in March 2007 and comprised 600 respondents in Ulaanbaatar, Selenge, Sukhbaatar, Uvurkhangai and Uvs aimags.

Toson Zaamar Movement and Mongolian Nature Protection Coalition Organize Citizens to Focus on Responsible Mining Citizens in Mongolia’s Zaamar soum made local history on March 17th when more than 100 individuals attended the first...

Toson Zaamar Movement and Mongolian Nature Protection Coalition Organize Citizens to Focus on Responsible Mining Citizens in Mongolia’s Zaamar soum made local history on March 17th when more than 100 individuals attended the first citizen-convened gathering in recent history. Representatives from the Toson Zaamar River Movement in north central Tov Aimag organized town hall meetings and other events during the course of the week to engage residents and government decision-makers on issues related to responsible mining, to learn more about these issues, and to develop strategies for community improvement.

comprising lawyers, political scientists and leading academics formed and began developing an Anti-Corruption Curriculum for the National Law School, and for the Management Academy which trains most of Mongolia’s civil servants. The...

comprising lawyers, political scientists and leading academics formed and began developing an Anti-Corruption Curriculum for the National Law School, and for the Management Academy which trains most of Mongolia’s civil servants. The group met actively through the fall and early winter, and on March 21st U.S. Ambassador Mark Minton participated in a ceremony that officially launched the new curriculum for the spring semester which is soon-to-start. The Deans of each of the institutions delivered presentations in which they pledged their support for an important initiative that will inform and influence the behavior of future Mongolian leaders.

As Mongolia moves into a new phase of its development, driven predominantly by rapid economic growth in the extractive industries, it faces a number of significant challenges. Rapid rates of urbanization are leading to an increasingly...

As Mongolia moves into a new phase of its development, driven predominantly by rapid economic growth in the extractive industries, it faces a number of significant challenges. Rapid rates of urbanization are leading to an increasingly overwhelming concentration of the population in urban centers, especially Ulaanbaatar.  As a result of this rapid population growth, more than half the area of Ulaanbaatar today consists of unplanned settlements called ger districts, which house more than half of the city's residents and nearly 25 percent of Mongolia's total population. The Asia Foundation has been working to support improvements in the ger districts for a number of years.

Mongolia's legal framework for elections generally conforms to most international principles associated with free, fair and credible elections. However, the absence of implementing regulations, ordinances and policies means that the spirit and...

Mongolia's legal framework for elections generally conforms to most international principles associated with free, fair and credible elections. However, the absence of implementing regulations, ordinances and policies means that the spirit and intent of the laws is not fully realized. The objective of this assessment, and other elections-related interventions, is to improve voter registration and balloting procedures, in order to build trust and confidence in Mongolia's elected officials, its government, and its democracy.

Mongolia's legal framework for elections generally conforms to most international principles associated with free, fair and credible elections. However, the absence of implementing regulations, ordinances and policies means that the spirit and...

Mongolia's legal framework for elections generally conforms to most international principles associated with free, fair and credible elections. However, the absence of implementing regulations, ordinances and policies means that the spirit and intent of the laws is not fully realized. The objective of this assessment, and other elections-related interventions, is to improve voter registration and balloting procedures, in order to build trust and confidence in Mongolia's elected officials, its government, and its democracy.