Mongolia Country Profile
‘From the air Mongolia looks like God’s preliminary sketch for earth, not so much a country as the ingredients out of which countries are made: grass, rock, water and wind.’
Stanley Stewart, In the Empire of Genghis Khan
If there’s one word to describe Mongolia, vast is a fitting choice. Nestled between Russia to the north and China to the south, Mongolia is entirely landlocked, with a land area comparable to all of Western Europe combined.
Matching the immensity of its terrain is the expanse of its skies, earning it the nickname”Land of the Eternal Blue Sky.” With one of the lowest population densities in the world, Mongolia’s vastness often feels strikingly empty—but it is anything but barren.
Covering such a large area, Mongolia boasts an extraordinary diversity of landscapes. From the high, open steppes in the east to the arid deserts of the south; from the cold, glaciated mountains of the west to the dense forests of the north, each region offers its own unique scenery and character. This geographical diversity mirrors the diversity of its people, their lifestyles, and their traditions.






Despite its vastness, Mongolia remains a country unfamiliar to many. When you think of Mongolia, images of nomads, sweeping wilderness, Chinggis Khan, horses, or perhaps the Kazakh eagle hunters might come to mind. And while these are all part of modern Mongolia, the country is far more complex. A new national identity is emerging in this era of globalization, marked by aspirations for progress and modernity. Even Mongolia’s flag symbolizes this drive for development, embodying hope and ambition for the future.
Yet, change and adaptation have always been intrinsic to Mongolia’s culture. During the reign of Chinggis Khan, the Mongols absorbed knowledge and skills from other nations to strengthen their empire. Today, while Mongolians are digitally connected and globally aware, their deep-rooted traditions remain steadfast. Western influences blend with Mongolia’s unique cultural heritage to create a modern identity that is both innovative and proudly Mongolian.
Mongolia is not an easy travel destination—it’s a tough country, from its extreme climate to its limited infrastructure. The local people have adapted to these challenges with resilience and resourcefulness, and as a visitor, you’ll need to do the same. Pack your adaptability and flexibility alongside your sun cream and thermals.
Yet, for those who make the journey, the rewards are as vast and extraordinary as the land itself. Leave behind any preconceived notions formed by what you’ve read or watched. Instead, arrive with an open mind, ready to be amazed, challenged, and inspired.
21st-century Mongolia is far more than you might expect—prepare to be surprised.
Quick Mongolia Inspirations
Where to Go in Mongolia
Mongolia is immense—the 18th largest country in the world and the least densely populated. This means endless space to discover and explore, where the landscapes stretch far beyond the horizon.
But where should you visit?
This isn’t an ultimate guide or a ‘top five must-see’ list. We’re a small, Mongolia-based tourism company—not travel bloggers or influencers writing sponsored content. Instead, these are ideas drawn from nearly 20 years of experience in Mongolia’s tourism industry, intended to inspire your exploration of this extraordinary country.
Western Mongolia
Western Mongolia is dominated by the Mongol Altai Mountains. This major mountain chain is Mongolia’s highest –
https://www.eternal-landscapes.co.uk/our-virtual-tour-of-western-mongolia/
The Great Lakes Depression
The vast Great Lakes Basin belongs to the Central Asian Internal Drainage Basin and the Altai Sayan Ecoregion—one of the Global 200 ecoregions highlighted by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
This region encompasses a significant semi-arid depression that spans Uvs, Khovd, Bayan-Ölgii, Zavkhan, and parts of Gobi-Altai aimag. What sets this region apart is its extraordinary biological diversity. Few places in the world can match the variety of ecosystems found here in such close proximity. These include semi-deserts, shallow interconnected lakes with expansive reed belts, dunes, steppe grasslands, forests, and mountains. This rich diversity is safeguarded through a network of international and national protected areas, including Important Bird Areas (designated by BirdLife International), Ramsar wetland sites, nature reserves, national parks, and strictly protected areas.
The Great Lakes region serves as a crucial stepping stone for migrating birds traveling between Siberia and their wintering grounds in China and South Asia. It is also an essential breeding and resting ground for a wide variety of waterfowl and seabirds.
In the higher hinterlands, this region provides refuge for globally endangered species such as the snow leopard, mountain sheep (argali), and Siberian ibex, alongside numerous rodent species. Many of these species are listed in the Mongolian Red Book and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, underscoring the region’s critical importance for global biodiversity conservation.
Lakes situated in the Great Lakes Depression include:
- Uvs Nuur
- Khyargas Nuur
- Dörgön Nuur
- Khar Us Nuur
- Khar Nuur
- Airag Nuur
Provinces & Their Capitals
- Uvs (Ulaangom)
- Khovd (Khovd)
- Bayan-
Olgii (Olgii/Ulgii) - Zavkhan (Uliastai)
Places To Visit Include:
- Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
- Kharkhira & Turgen Mountains
- Tarvagatai Uul National Park
- Tsambagarav Uul National Park
- Otgon Tenger Strictly Protected Area
- Achit Nuur
- Tsengel Khairkhan Mountain
The Gobi Desert
The Gobi Desert spans much of southern Mongolia and northeastern China. As a mid-latitude desert, it covers an impressive area of approximately 500,000 square miles, making it the fifth-largest desert in the world.
Mongolians describe the Gobi as having 33 types of desert landscapes. These range from rocky massifs to flat, pavement-like expanses of super-arid terrain, from poplar-fringed oases to vast outwash plains and sweeping areas of sand dunes.
The Gobi is a rain shadow desert, formed by the Himalayas blocking rain-carrying clouds from the Indian Ocean. While its soil appears barren, it isn’t inherently so—it’s simply starved of moisture. When rain does fall, the Gobi transforms, blooming into a vibrant “green desert.”
The Gobi also serves as a powerful reminder of Earth’s dynamic history. Eighty million years ago, during the Late Cretaceous Period, this region was a savannah-like landscape of open grasslands, where dinosaurs thrived. Fossil discoveries in the Gobi include species that bridge the transition from the age of dinosaurs to the age of mammals, offering invaluable insights into the evolution of life on Earth.
- https://www.eternal-landscapes.co.uk/discover-mongolias-middle-gobi/
- https://www.eternal-landscapes.co.uk/the-gobi-desert-mongolia-our-guide/
Provinces and Their Capitals:
- Dundgobi (Mandalgobi)
- Omnogobi (Dalanzadgad)
- Dorngobi (Sainshand)
- Bayankhongor (Bayankhongor)
- Gobi-
Altai (Altai)
Places To Visit Include:
- Baga Gazriin Chuluu & Ikh Gazriin Chuluu
- Tsagaan Suvraga
- Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park
- Bayanzag
- Khongoryn Els
- Boon Tsagaan Nuur & Orog Nuur
- Ikh Bogd & Baga Bogd Nuruu
- Ongiin Khiid
- Khamariin Khiid
- Shargaljuut Hot Springs
- Bayanlig Petrogylphs
- Khermen Tsav
- Tsagaan Agui (White Cave)
Eastern Landscapes
The vast far eastern landscapes of Mongolia are characterized by expansive, flat treeless plains, rolling hills, and a network of vital wetlands. This region, known as the eastern steppe, is home to one of the world’s last great populations of the White-Tailed Mongolian Gazelle (Procapra gutturosa), a remarkable testament to the area’s biodiversity.
The northeast of Mongolia is steeped in the history of Chinggis Khan and dominated by the majestic Khan Khentii Mountains, which extend to the northern border with Siberia. According to the Secret History of the Mongols, Chinggis Khan was born in Khentii Province, near the headwaters of the Onon and Kherlen rivers, close to the modern border of Mongolia and Siberia.
Mongol legend, as recounted in the Secret History, tells of the Mongols’ mythical origins in the mountain forests, where a Blue-Grey Wolf and a Red Doe came together, symbolizing the ancient lineage of the Mongol people.
https://www.eternal-landscapes.co.uk/virtual-tour-eastern-mongolia/
Provinces & Their Capitals:
- Khentii (Chinggis/Ondorkhan)
- Dornod (Choilbasan)
- Sukhbaatar (Baruun Urt)
Place Names:
- Khan Khentii Mountains
- Dadal
- Toson Khulstai Nature Reserve
- Shiliin Bogd Mountain & Ganga Nuur
- Baldan Bereeven Monastery
- Onon Balj National Park
- Khalkh Gol Battlefield
- Numrug Strictly Protected Area
- Buir Nuur
- Menen Steppe
- Ugtam Uul Nature Reserve
Central Mongolia
The diverse terrain of Central Mongolia offers an incredible wealth of natural beauty, wildlife, and a strong nomadic culture. At its heart lies the Orkhon Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site, a rare opportunity to explore Mongolia’s rich and tangible history.
A visit to this region allows you to connect with the epic past of Mongolia, including a trip to Kharkhorin—historically known as Karakorum—the ancient capital of Ögedei Khan. This historic site is also home to Erdene Zuu Monastery, the oldest monastery in Mongolia and a testament to the country’s spiritual heritage.
Central Mongolia is further defined by the majestic Khangai Mountains, which provide a stunning and untamed backdrop to the region. Their rugged beauty underscores the area’s appeal for adventurers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking an authentic Mongolian experience.
Provinces & Their Capitals:
- Tov (Zuunmod)
- Arkhangai (Tsetserleg)
- Ovorkhangai (Arvaikheer)
Place Names:
- Khustain Nuruu National Park
- Gorkhi-
Terelj National Park - Khogno Khan Nature Reserve
- Ogii Nuur
- Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park
- Kharkhorin including Erdene Zuu Monastery
- Orkhon River Valley including Ulaan Tustgalan
- Naiman Nuur
- Tsenkher Hot Springs
- Tövkhön Khiid
Northern Mongolia
Northern Mongolia is defined not only by the well-known highlights found in guidebooks, such as Lake Khovsgol, but also by the quieter, hidden treasures in between. This region holds a unique charm with its ancient deer stones, meadows filled with wild alpine flowers, winding rivers, and volcanic landscapes.
Northern Mongolia is not only rich in biodiversity but also steeped in culture. The vast habitat classified as taiga in the Tsagaan Nuur region, covering several thousand square kilometers, marks the northernmost tip of Mongolia. This remote and pristine area is home to the world’s southernmost indigenous reindeer population, making it a truly special place to explore. https://www.eternal-landscapes.co.uk/mongolias-tsaatan-reindeer-herders/
Provinces & Their Capitals
- Selenge (Sükhbaatar) https://www.eternal-landscapes.co.uk/explore-mongolias-selenge-province/
- Khovsgol (Murun/Mörön)
- Bulgan (Bulgan)
Place Names:
- Amarbayasgalant Monastery
- Selenge River
- Khövsgöl Nuur National Park
- Darkhad Depression
- Khoridol Saridag Mountains
- Uran Togoo Tulga Uul
Ulaanbaatar (UB)
Ulaanbaatar, often referred to as UB, is home to over 50% of Mongolia’s population, providing a stark contrast to life elsewhere in the country. While modern Ulaanbaatar faces challenges with planning and infrastructure, it’s far from a city to overlook. From its origins as a nomadic settlement, UB has evolved into a resilient, modern city with a strong Mongolian identity. Be sure to spend time here to uncover its vibrant and unique character.
Historical Perspectives
Ulaanbaatar is situated in the Tuul River Valley and began as a nomadic settlement, moving to its present location in 1778. Historically, it became a hub for international trade, pilgrimage, and religious teaching, governed by a spiritual and political leader known as the Bogd Gegeen or ‘Living Buddha,’ third in the Tibetan Buddhist hierarchy. Over time, the city was known by several names, including Ikh/Da Khüree (Great Settlement), Niĭslel Khüree (Capital Settlement), and Urga.
From 1924 until the early 1990s, Mongolia was governed from the Kremlin, following a socialist path closely modeled on the Soviet experience. During this period, Ulaanbaatar lost much of its oriental character, which was deemed incompatible with socialism. Starting in the 1960s, city planning and architecture were heavily influenced by Soviet ideals, emphasizing mass production and economy. Soviet architects designed UB’s downtown, blending classical, Mongolian, and socialist styles.
Ulaanbaatar was originally built for pedestrians and planned to accommodate 500,000 inhabitants. However, by late 2024, the city’s population had grown to approximately 1.5 million. According to the 2020 census, UB had a population density of 312 persons per square kilometer—significantly higher than the rural average of just 2 persons per square kilometer.
Ulaanbaatar’s Ger Districts
The center of Ulaanbaatar is distinctly modern, characterized by contemporary apartment buildings and luxury stores. However, more than half of the city’s residents live in the semi-formal, unplanned ger districts that surround the city to the north, west, and east.
Every Mongolian citizen is entitled to claim 0.7 hectares of land, which is often enclosed by a hasha (a wooden or metal fence) within the ger districts. Life in these districts can be challenging, but for many residents, the autonomy and sense of freedom it provides are deeply valued. For those living in gers, this lifestyle remains central to their cultural identity.
The ger districts are not solely home to new migrants from the countryside or impoverished residents. Many successful city workers also choose to live here. Housing in the ger districts primarily consists of two types: the traditional ger and self-built detached houses. What distinguishes the ger districts is their lack of connection to essential infrastructure—such as sewerage, running water, or central heating.
While the government is keen to transition ger district residents into apartments, these neighborhoods are home to dedicated and innovative individuals and organizations working to address the districts’ most pressing issues. Through creativity and collaboration, they are striving to improve the quality of life for local residents and make these areas better places to live.
- Gandan Monastery
- Beatles Statue & State Department Store
- Squares, Panoramic Views & Hidden Gardens
- Cultural shows in Ulaanbaatar
- Museums In Ulaanbaatar
- Sky Ski Resort
- Bogd Khan Mountain
- Narantuul Market (Black Market)
Modern Mongolia Overview
Mongolia in the 21st century is a land of striking contrasts—a dynamic young democracy set against timeless landscapes.
Modern challenges include land degradation, mineral extraction, climate change, and growing social inequality. Like many places around the globe, Mongolia’s younger generation is increasingly moving away from traditional lifestyles.
Yet, Mongolia remains an extraordinary country to visit. In Ulaanbaatar, a city pulsing with frontier energy, affluent urbanites embrace consumerism and capitalism. Beyond the city, one of the world’s last remaining nomadic cultures thrives. Herders continue to move with the seasons, their lives deeply rooted in the vast open spaces, sacred landscapes, and a profound connection with nature and the elements.
Mongolia, with a population of 3.4 million, is often regarded as the least densely populated country in the world, with an average of just 2 people per square kilometer (2020 Census). However, this sparse distribution contrasts sharply with its capital, Ulaanbaatar, where over 1.5 million people reside, creating a population density of 312 persons per square kilometer (2020 Census).
Spanning a landmass equivalent to the size of Western Europe—1.56 million square kilometers—Mongolia has an average elevation of 1,580 meters above sea level, with over 80% of the country lying above 1,000 meters. This vast expanse was shaped by successive geological upheavals, resulting in a deeply eroded, mountainous terrain. Snowcapped mountain ranges, forested slopes, open high-steppe plateaus, rolling semi-deserts, and the cold, sandy desert of the extreme south all combine to create one of the world’s most varied and dramatic landscapes.
Genghis Khan | Chinggis Khan
‘Until the 20th century there was never a ‘Mongolia’ whose boundaries were fixed and accepted.’
Charles Bawden, The Modern History of Mongolia
For centuries, tribes moved fluidly across the vast Central Asian plains, forming a dynamic and changeable nomadic society. Long before the rise of the Mongols, two other major waves of nomadic tribes—the Huns and the Turks—swept across the Mongolian Plateau, each leaving a distinctive mark on history.
The legend and legacy of Chinggis Khan remain integral to modern Mongolian identity. His influence stretched far beyond his time, shaping military strategy, governance, cultural exchange, and the course of global history. To this day, his impact resonates deeply within Mongolia and beyond.
We encourage you to take time to explore Chinggis Khan’s legacy during your visit to Mongolia. Doing so offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich narratives of one of history’s most influential figures. Here’s our concise guide to unlocking the layers of his enduring legacy: https://www.eternal-landscapes.co.uk/discover-genghis-khans-legacy-in-mongolia/
And as a side note: in the West, we commonly refer to him as Genghis Khan, derived from the Persian spelling.
A blend of shamanistic and Buddhist beliefs continues to be an unselfconscious and integral part of daily life in Mongolia. The predominant religion is Lamaism, the Yellow Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Before the 16th century, however, shamanism was the dominant spiritual practice across the region.
During the 1930s, Mongolia experienced severe religious purges under communist rule, mirroring the Stalinist period in the Soviet Union. Over 700 monasteries were destroyed, and thousands of monks lost their lives in these brutal crackdowns.
In the post-socialist era, Buddhist beliefs and customs continue to be upheld, remaining an intrinsic part of society. For some among the younger generation, however, Buddhism is more of a cultural tradition than a formal religion. While Buddhism remains the dominant faith, Mongolia’s growing diversity is also reflected in the presence of Christian and Muslim communities.
Learn more about Mongolia’s monasteries in our blog post https://www.eternal-landscapes.co.uk/mongolias-monasteries/
As of 2024, Mongolia is home to approximately 190,000 herding households. These families form the backbone of the country’s economy and cultural heritage, preserving traditional nomadic lifestyles practiced for centuries. Mongolian herders, known as *malchin*, refer to their livestock collectively as mal or tavan khoshuu mal—the “Five Snouts,” representing sheep, goats, horses, cattle, and camels.
Mongolia’s livestock population at the start of 2024 was estimated at 64.7 million, including 29.4 million sheep, 24.6 million goats, 4.8 million horses, 5.47 million cattle, and 473,900 camels (MONTSAME). However, a severe winter phenomenon known as *dzud* led to catastrophic livestock losses. By May 2024, more than 7 million animals had perished—over 10% of the national herd (Associated Press News). This disaster has deeply affected herding communities and the broader economy.
Traditionally, Mongolian herders rotate their livestock over shared pastures, following seasonal patterns. The distance and frequency of movement depend on environmental and climatic conditions. Some pastoralists travel hundreds of miles each year, while others make only short migrations. In certain regions or during specific years, herders may move frequently, whereas in others, they might relocate just a few times annually.
The recent dzud underscores the fragility of this traditional way of life in the face of modern challenges such as climate change, overgrazing, and economic pressures. These events highlight the resilience of Mongolia’s herding communities and the critical need for sustainable solutions to support their livelihoods.
- Learn more about the calendar of Mongolia’s herders here – https://www.eternal-landscapes.co.uk/the-mongolian-herding-calendar/
- Learn how to visit a Mongolian herding family responsibly – https://www.eternal-landscapes.co.uk/how-to-visit-a-mongolian-nomadic-family-respectfully/
The majority of Mongolia’s population are Khalkha Mongols, but the country is also home to several ethnic minority groups, each with their own unique traditions and lifestyles.
One of the largest minority groups is the Kazakhs, numbering approximately 100,000 and predominantly residing in the western provinces of Mongolia. Among them, around 80 families continue the ancient tradition of hunting with eagles, known as *berkutchi*. This form of falconry, practiced across the Eurasian steppe, is a celebrated aspect of their cultural heritage.
Learn more in our guide – https://www.eternal-landscapes.co.uk/hunting-with-golden-eagles-mongolia/
Another distinct ethnic group is the Tsaatan, a community of nomadic reindeer herders who inhabit the vast taiga forests in the Tsagaan Nuur region of northernmost Mongolia. While they identify ethnically as Dukha, their lifestyle as reindeer herders has earned them the Mongolian name *Tsaatan*, meaning “those with reindeer.”
The taiga region is also home to the Darkhad, another of Mongolia’s ethnic groups, who live in the Darkhad Depression. Known for their connection to the land and its rugged beauty, the Darkhad maintain their own unique cultural identity within this remote landscape.
