Zavkhan is a province located in western Mongolia. The spelling of the word "zavkhan" in IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈzɑːvkən/. The "z" is pronounced as the voiceless alveolar fricative sound /z/ and the "v" is pronounced as the voiced labiodental fricative sound /v/. The "kh" at the end of the word is pronounced as the voiceless velar fricative sound /x/. The letter "a" is pronounced as the open back unrounded vowel sound /ɑː/. Together, these sounds create the unique pronunciation of the word "zavkhan".
Zavkhan is a geographical term that is primarily used as a noun to refer to a province in western Mongolia. It is also widely recognized as the name of the largest river in the region, the Zavkhan River.
As a province, Zavkhan is located in the northwestern part of Mongolia and covers an extensive land area. It is bordered by other provinces, including Khövsgöl to the northeast, Khovd to the west, and Govi-Altai to the south. Zavkhan is known for its diverse landscapes, encompassing vast deserts, grasslands, and mountain ranges. It is populated by nomadic herders who depend on their livestock for their livelihoods.
The Zavkhan River, after which the province and several nearby features are named, is a significant waterway in western Mongolia. It starts in the Altai Mountains and flows through the Zavkhan Province, providing water for irrigation and serving as a vital source of sustenance for local communities.
Additionally, "Zavkhan" can also be used as an adjective to describe something related to the Zavkhan Province or its inhabitants. It may denote features, traditions, languages, or cultures associated with this specific region of Mongolia.
Overall, "Zavkhan" is a term that describes both a province in western Mongolia and an influential river, highlighting their significance within geographical, cultural, and economic contexts.
The word "Zavkhan" is derived from the name of a region located in western Mongolia. It is one of the 21 provinces of Mongolia and is known for its diverse landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and large lakes. The name "Zavkhan" itself is believed to have originated from the Mongolian words "za" and "vkh" meaning "beyond" and "source" respectively, indicating its position as the source of several rivers that flow towards the surrounding regions.