Overview of Mongolia

Profile

Country with extreme continental climate where steppes and deserts occupy 90% of territory, with world's lowest population density. While over half the population concentrates in capital Ulaanbaatar, traditional nomadic life continues in rural areas. As successor state to the Mongol Empire that birthed Genghis Khan, ethnic pride runs high, with recent years seeing both economic growth from mineral resource development and challenges balancing environmental issues.

Official name: Mongolia
Common name: Mongolia
Numeric code: 496
Alpha-3 code: MNG
Alpha-2 code: MN
Population: Approximately 3.42 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 2.2 people/km²
Primary languages: Mongolian
Major religions: Tibetan Buddhism, Islam (Kazakh ethnicity), Shamanism
National anthem: Монгол улсын төрийн дуулал (National Anthem of Mongolia)
Calling code: +976
Internet TLD: .mn

History

Declared independence from Qing Dynasty in 1911, became socialist state after 1921 People's Revolution, then democratized in 1990 transitioning to market economy.

After appearing in world history as Mongol Empire in 13th century, came under Chinese Qing Dynasty rule but declared independence in 1911. 1921 Mongolian People's Revolution with Soviet support made it world's second socialist state as Mongolian People's Republic. Democratization achieved in 1990 with Cold War end, new constitution established in 1992 changing name to Mongolia. Currently maintains democratic republic with multi-party parliamentary system, pursuing international cooperation through 'Third Neighbor' policy.

Geography & climate

Northern coniferous forest belt and mountains, vast central grassland steppe, southern Gobi Desert continuing in plateau-type basins. Average altitude approximately 1,580m.

Severe continental climate (subarctic dry winter to desert climate)

Area: Asia / 1566000 km²
Capital: Ulaanbaatar
Largest city: Ulaanbaatar
Coastal status: No
Major lakes: Lake Khövsgöl, Lake Uvs
Bordering countries: Russia, China

Natural resources

Copper, Coal, Gold, Molybdenum, Rare earths, Uranium, Fluorite, Iron ore, Tungsten, Petroleum, Wool, Cashmere, Wind power, Solar power

Politics

Government: Democratic republic (parliamentary system with semi-presidentialism)

Economy

Currency: Tögrög (MNT)

GDP (nominal): Approximately 18.8 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): Approximately 53.9 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Mongolian

Time zone: Ulaanbaatar Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Khalkha, Kazakh, Buryat, Oirat (Dörbet), Bayad, Tsaatan, Evenki, Dörbetse, Uriankhai

Life expectancy

70.0 years

Literacy rate

97.5%

National sports

Bokh (Mongolian wrestling), Horse racing, Archery, Football, Judo, Wrestling, Basketball