Country Profile: Mongolia

Mongolia is a landlocked country located in Northern Asia, bordered by China to the south and Russia to the north. The nation spans a vast area comprising desert plains, grassy steppes, and mountainous regions, including the Gobi Desert. With a population of approximately 3.3 million, Mongolia has undergone a significant transformation from a Soviet satellite state to a semi-presidential republic that emphasizes democracy and market economics. The economy is primarily driven by agriculture and natural resources, facing challenges such as high inflation and currency depreciation.

Geography

Mongolia's geographic location strategically positions it between two major powers, China and Russia. The country is characterized by a continental climate and a diverse terrain that includes vast deserts, steppe lands, and mountains.

Area: 1,564,116 sq km, making Mongolia slightly smaller than Alaska.
Land boundaries: 8,082 km, sharing extensive borders with China (4,630 km) and Russia (3,452 km).
Elevation: Mean elevation is 1,528 m, with the highest point at 4,374 m (Nayramadlin Orgil) and the lowest at 560 m (Hoh Nuur).
Natural resources: Rich in oil, coal, and various minerals including copper and gold.
Water bodies: Major lakes include Hovsgol Nuur and Har Us Nuur.

People and Society

Mongolia's population is approximately 3.3 million, with a predominantly young demographic. The capital city, Ulaanbaatar, is the most densely populated area. Ethnically, the Khalkh group constitutes the majority, alongside Kazakh and other minority groups.

Ethnic composition: 83.8% Khalkh, 3.8% Kazak, and minor groups such as Durvud and Bayad.
Languages: Predominantly Mongolian (90%), with Turkic and Russian also spoken.
Religions: The population includes 51.7% Buddhists and 3.2% Muslims.
Urbanization: 69.1% of the population lives in urban areas (2023).
Literacy rate: High at 98.6% (2023).

Economy

Mongolia's economy is classified as lower middle-income, characterized by a large agricultural and natural resource sector. The country has made significant economic reforms since transitioning to a market economy in the 1990s.

Real GDP (PPP): Estimated at $59.221 billion for 2024.
GDP growth rate: Projected growth of 4.9% in 2024.
Major industries: Mining (coal, copper), agriculture, and food production.
Unemployment rate: Estimated at 5.5% in 2024.
Export partners: China dominates with 92% of Mongolian exports.

Government

Mongolia operates as a semi-presidential republic, with a president and prime minister sharing executive powers. The government has experienced a political transformation since its democratization in 1990.

Capital: Ulaanbaatar, the political and cultural center.
Current president: Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh (since June 2021).
Legislative structure: Unicameral legislature with 126 seats in the State Great Hural.
Next election: Scheduled for June 2027.
Suffrage: Universal for citizens aged 18 years and above.

Military and Security

Mongolia's military is tasked with maintaining the nation's independence and security through a range of missions, including international peacekeeping.

Active personnel: Estimated at 10,000-20,000 in the Mongolian Armed Forces.
Military expenditures: Projected at 0.7% of GDP in 2024.
Peacekeeping contributions: Over 20,000 personnel deployed since 2002.
Conscription: Mandatory service for men aged 18-25.
Military partnerships: Engages in training exercises with countries including the US and Russia.

Energy

Mongolia's energy sector is dominated by coal, with a significant reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation.

Electricity access: 100% of the population is electrified (2022).
Installed capacity: 1.51 million kW as of 2023.
Coal production: 64.824 million metric tons in 2023.
Fossil fuels share: 90.4% of total electricity generation capacity.
Energy consumption per capita: 67.132 million Btu/person (2023).

Environment

Mongolia faces various environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, soil erosion, and desertification.

Air pollution: Significant issues stemming from coal usage, particularly in Ulaanbaatar.
Natural hazards: Prone to dust storms and harsh winters, known as "zud."
Water resources: Limited freshwater availability in some regions.
Climate agreements: Mongolia is a party to multiple international environmental treaties.
Waste management: Only 13% of municipal solid waste is recycled (2022).

Transportation

Mongolia's transportation infrastructure includes a mix of air, rail, and road networks, despite its vast and sparsely populated terrain.

Airports: There are 37 airports as of 2025.
Railways: Total railway length is 1,815 km.
Merchant marine: Consists of 318 vessels (2023).
Civil aircraft registration: Prefix is JU.

Communications

Mongolia has made significant strides in telecommunications, achieving a high rate of mobile and internet penetration.

Mobile subscriptions: Approximately 4.84 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
Internet use: 83% of the population has internet access (2023).
Fixed-line telephones: Total subscriptions reached 524,000 in 2023.
Broadcast media: Includes multiple state and private radio and TV stations.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	3,281,676 (2024 est.)
Area	1,564,116 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$59.221 billion (2024 est.)	Purchasing Power Parity
Unemployment rate	5.5% (2024 est.)	% of labor force
Inflation rate	6.8% (2024 est.)	Consumer prices
Life expectancy	71.9 years (2024 est.)
Literacy rate	98.6% (2023 est.)
Total energy consumption per capita	67.132 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Military expenditures	0.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
Urban population	69.1% of total population	(2023)