Mongolia is a vast, arid, desert region — one of the least populated on the globe — which is in fact divided into two countries: Mongolia proper, and "Inner Mongolia", which is an "autonomous region of China". This region is home to 70 to 80% of the world's Capra Hircus goat population. Farming has remained largely artisanal and contributes greatly to the sustainability of a traditional rural population. In Mongolia, the goats are combed and/or shorn.
A single goat produces only around 100 grams of usable cashmere. It therefore takes between 2 and 6 goats to produce one cashmere jumper, depending on its thickness.
Global cashmere production represents approximately 0.5% of total wool production, making it a truly exceptional fabric. Today, Himalayan production remains modest. The vast majority of goats are raised in Mongolia, which supplies three quarters of the raw material distributed worldwide, with the remainder of production coming principally from Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nepal.
Although domesticated, cashmere goats are rather difficult to raise and can only thrive in harsh climates. There are very few regions in the world whose environment would suit them, and one may therefore expect Mongolia to continue to hold its near-exclusive position for the foreseeable future.