In former soviet days the town was an industrial hive. Now the tower blocks where the Russians lived stand empty and derelict and there is little industrial activity. The soviet architecture can make the town looks a bit grim but there are many trees and horses and camels are the most frequent means of transport. Winters in Choibalsan are long and cold. However, it is almost always sunny, even on the coldest days.
Summers are wonderful, especially in the surrounding countryside.
The Liberal Women's Brainpool aims to promote the participation of women in the social, economic and political development of the country and to strengthen women's position through training on women's rights, politics and business skills. Louise's job is to help the many new women's groups springing up around Choibalsan by offering training in administration, planning, fundraising, computer and English language skills. These women's groups deal with issues as diverse as domestic violence to democracy. Some of the money-generating schemes Louise will be advising on include growing and pickling vegetables, small bakeries, sewing clothes and running canteens. This is a completely new placement for VSO so to a great extent Louise will be forging her own way in the job.