Mongolia’s battle with the bottle

Mongolia is battling with a growing problem of alcohol abuse.

According to the World Health Organisation more than 20 per cent of the country’s male population and five per cent of women are dependent on alcohol.

In addition the problem is fuelling a rise in serious and violent crime, nearly three quarters of which is said to be alcohol-related.

The issue has become one of the country’s biggest stumbling blocks to economic and social progress.

Al Jazeera’s Tony Birtley reports from Ulaan Bataar.