Khovd ( ), formerly spelt Kobdo, is the capital of the Khovd Province in western Mongolia. It is the administrative seat of the Jargalant District.

Geography and climate

thumb|Street in Khovd

thumb|Khovd downtown

Khovd is situated at the foot of the Altay Mountains, and is bisected by the Buyant River. The Khar-Us Lake is located approximately 25 km (15.5 mi) east of Khovd and is the site of a Strictly Protected Area (Mongolian Government designation), called the Mankhan Nature Preserve.

In 1992, as the result of the Mongolian government passing a series of administrative and land reforms, Khovd was integrated as part of the Jargalant sum created in the area. The total city area is 80&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> (30.8 mi<sup>2</sup>.)

According to the Köppen climate classification, Khovd has a cold desert climate, marked with long, dry, frigid winters and short warm summers. Precipitation is minimal and very heavily concentrated in summer.

History

The city was established by Galdan Boshugtu Khan of Dzungar Khanate in 1685 on the bank of the river Khovd in what is now Erdenebüren sum. Horticulture was developed around city Khovd using the land cultivating experience from Taranchi and Central Asian captives. The city was 'moved' by the Qing administration after destruction of the Dzungar Khanate after 1757 on to the bank of the river Buyant. On 7 August 1912, the Mongol troops under leadership of Manlaibaatar Damdinsuren, Khatanbaatar Magsarjav and Ja Lama Dambiijantsan captured the city of Khovd, destroyed all the Manchu–Chinese garrisons and abolished the governance of the Qing-appointed amban.

Population

The city had a population of 26,023 in 2000 (2000 census), 30,479 in 2003 (est.) and 28,601 in 2007. The 2010 population was recorded at 29,046.

In 2005, Jargalant sum (the centre of Khovd Aimag) had 32,351 inhabitants (6,675 households), belonging to more than ten ethnic groups and nationalities such as Olot, Khalkha Mongols, Zakhchin, Torghut, Uriankhai, Myangad, Dörbet, Bayads, Kazakhs, Chantuu and Üzemchin.

Notable people

  • Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu

Tourist attractions

  • Museum of Khovd Province

See also

  • Sangiin Kerem

References