Then, in an effort to erase the history of Mongolia, the Soviets prohibited the use of last names for Mongolians. However, in 1990 Mongolia broke from the Soviet Union and began to reestablish her roots. Many names predate Genghis Khan. Although there isn't a recognized state religion, most Mongolians consider themselves Lamaist Buddhists of the Tibetan variety. In the western regions, Islam is the predominant religion of the Kazaks and Hotons.
Religious freedom is guaranteed under the Mongolian Constitution.
According to the 1999 Annual Report on Religious Freedom by the US State Department, there were no reports of harassment by Christian missionaries. Registered religious groups are free to share their faith as long as it is not concealed as foreign language instruction. Recently, the Communist party gained ground in the Mongolian government. What this means for Christian missionary work is still uncertain. But while the door is open, let's pray that in their search for identity that the Mongolian nation looks even further back than Genghis Khan-the Supreme Ruler.