Mongolia is located in Eastern Asia, and its capital is Ulan Bator. It has a population of approximately 3,524,788 and covers an area of about 1,564,116 km². Its official currency is the Mongolian tögrög (MNT).
What stands out
People & place
2.3 /km² across 1,564,116 km²
Mongolia has a recorded population of 3,524,788 and a reported surface area of 1,564,116 km².
Economic snapshot
$23.79 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $23.79 billion and GDP per capita at $6,751 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Mongolia is a landlocked country in East Asia, renowned for its vast steppes and strong nomadic heritage.
The country covers an area of 1.56 million km², including the Gobi Desert in the south and the Khentii Mountains to the northeast; its highest point is Qan-qara Peak at 3,862 m.
Mongolia experiences a continental climate with long, cold winters and short, hot summers, and its terrain ranges from arid plains to alpine tundra.
The nation is bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south, east and west.
Mongolian culture is deeply rooted in the traditions of its nomadic peoples, featuring the Naadam festival—a celebration of the “Three Sports” of horse racing, archery, and wrestling—, the art of morin khuur (horse-head fiddle), and the distinctive style of throat singing.
Family structures are often extended and communal, with ger houses (traditional yurt tents) still widely used; the national cuisine centers around mutton, dairy products, and local grains.
Shamanism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Turkic influences form the spiritual fabric of Mongolia, with the Tsogtoo Buddhist monastery process.
Mongolia’s history includes the rise of the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan in the 13th century, which united the steppe tribes and expanded into a vast world empire.
After the fall of the empire, Mongolia became a vassal state of the Qing dynasty, gained brief independence in the early 20th century, and then fell under Soviet influence after 1921.
The 1990 Democratic Revolution ended Marxist-Leninist rule, initiating the country’s transition to a democratic republic.
Today, Mongolia balances its ancient heritage with modern development as it navigates economic challenges and environmental issues.
Key facts
Mongolia is among the world’s least densely populated countries, with roughly 2 people per square kilometer.
Its currency, the tögrög, a symbol of national sovereignty, introduced in 1924 and revalued in 2019.
The capital, Ulaanbaatar, is the only major city in the country and is the political, cultural, and economic hub.
Mongolia is home to the Gobi–Altai and Antankalm Mountains, which contain some of the largest iron ore deposits in the world.
The national flag is a symbol of unity and identity, featuring a blue background with a soyombo symbol representing freedom and independence.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Eastern Asia