Soums

Soums are administrative divisions in Mongolia. They are the second-level administrative units, falling under aimags (provinces). Each soum is comprised of smaller settlements, typically consisting of a central village and surrounding nomadic herding areas. The administrative center of a soum is usually a small town or a larger village where local government offices are located.

The primary function of a soum administration is to provide local governance, manage land use, collect taxes, and oversee basic services such as education and healthcare within its territory. Soums are responsible for implementing national policies at the local level and addressing the specific needs of their residents. The economy of most soums is heavily reliant on livestock herding, a traditional way of life for many Mongolians. Other economic activities may include small-scale agriculture, mining, and tourism, depending on the soum's geographical location and resources. The population of a soum can vary significantly, from a few hundred to several thousand people.