Only about 40 percent of the population continues to live a traditional nomadic lifestyle. These nomadic families herd more than 2.9 million livestock. Animal husbandry remains a pillar of the national economy. It provides 20 percent of the fiber for the world’s cashmere industry.

The nomadic lifestyle has changed very little over the years, except that, sometimes, some nomadic herders prefer to use motorbikes or Russian jeeps rather than horses. Mongolia remains the last refuge of the pastoral nomad. The families are preserving the traditions and cultural heritage of the many nomadic nations, which once flourished throughout the Mongolian territory.