An official Apple store has, at long last, opened its doors in Mongolia in what is known as the world’s coldest capital: Ulaanbaatar, reports “M.A.D. Corporate Services” (http://macte.ch/8xkfy).

The opening of an Apple shop in Mongolia is “something of a leap of faith within a country of less than three million people that still ranks as one of the poorest in the world,” the article adds. However, despite its apparent poverty, “M.A.D.” says Mongolia is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, “propelled largely by its enormous mineral reserves and its close proximity to the insatiable Chinese economy.”

Until now Apple products have only been available in Mongolia in the form of imports brought by individuals from the US or China. Prices were excessive, often double if not triple the official Apple retail prices.