Country Profile: Mongolia
Mongolia, located in Northern Asia between China and Russia, boasts a diverse geography characterized by vast plains, desert terrain, and mountain ranges. The country has a population of approximately 3.28 million as of 2024, with most residents living in urban areas, particularly the capital, Ulaanbaatar. Economically, Mongolia is classified as a lower middle-income nation, rich in natural resources and agriculture, yet it grapples with high inflation and challenges in its transition to a market economy. The governance system is a semi-presidential republic, reflecting a commitment to democracy and electoral processes following its peaceful transition from socialism in 1990.
Geography
Mongolia is a landlocked country with an area of 1,564,116 sq km, making it slightly smaller than Alaska. Characterized by a continental climate, the nation experiences large temperature ranges and is known for its vast deserts and steppes. The Gobi Desert is located in the south-central region, with the highest point at Khuiten Peak reaching 4,374 m. The terrain is primarily composed of semidesert plains and mountainous regions, while the country's natural resources include coal, copper, and gold.
- 8,082 km of land boundaries with China and Russia
- 0 km of coastline as a landlocked nation
- 71.9% of land used for agriculture (2022)
- 9.1% of land covered by forests (2022)
People and Society
As of 2024, Mongolia has an estimated population of 3,281,676, with a majority being of Mongolian ethnicity and speaking Mongolian as the official language. The country has a rich cultural heritage, with 51.7% of the population practicing Buddhism, and 69.1% of the populace living in urban areas. The median age is 31.5 years, reflecting a youthful demographic structure. Despite advancements in literacy, which stands at 98.7%, the nation faces challenges in healthcare access and economic inequality.
- 25.7% of the population is aged 0-14 years
- 5.9% of the population is aged 65 years and older (2024)
- 14.9 births per 1,000 population (2024)
- 71.9 years life expectancy at birth (2024)
Economy
Mongolia's economy, classified as lower middle-income, has witnessed significant human capital improvements over the last three decades. The economy is rich in agricultural outputs and natural resources, contributing to a GDP (PPP) of $59.221 billion in 2024. The country faces challenges such as high inflation rates and dependency on external markets, particularly for exports, where 92% go to China. Mongolia's economic growth forecast for 2024 is 4.9%, indicating a recovery trend.
- 5.5% unemployment rate (2024)
- 27.1% of the population lives below the national poverty line (2022)
- 69.1% of GDP derived from exports (2024)
- 6.8% inflation rate (2024)
Government
Mongolia operates as a semi-presidential republic, with a current president, Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, who has been in office since June 2021. The country has a unicameral legislature, the State Great Hural, consisting of 126 directly elected members. The legal framework is influenced by civil law systems, and the constitution was last adopted in January 1992. Mongolia's governance is characterized by political plurality, with major parties including the Mongolian People's Party (MPP) and the Democratic Party (DP).
- 18 years is the minimum voting age
- 21 provinces and 1 municipality within its administrative divisions
- Most recent legislative election occurred on June 28, 2024
Military and Security
The Mongolian Armed Forces comprises various branches, including land, air, and cyber forces. Military spending is projected at 0.7% of GDP for 2024, while Mongolia maintains a commitment to international peacekeeping, having deployed troops to missions such as UNMISS. The military service age ranges from 18 to 25 years, with conscription required for males, and the armed forces operate largely with Soviet-era equipment.
- Estimated 10,000-20,000 active military personnel (2025)
- Mongolia contributes 875 troops to UN peacekeeping in South Sudan (2024)
- Annual Khaan Quest international peacekeeping exercise
Energy
Mongolia's total electricity access is reported at 100%, with the majority of generation coming from fossil fuels, which account for 90.4% of installed capacity. The country produced 64.824 million metric tons of coal in 2023, reinforcing its standing as a significant player in coal exports. With growing renewable energy sources, it seeks to diversify its energy portfolio.
- 8.997 billion kWh electricity consumption (2023)
- 15,000 bbl/day total petroleum production (2023)
Transportation
Mongolia possesses 37 airports as of 2025, facilitating both domestic and international travel. The country's railways extend over 1,815 km, primarily broad gauge, supporting freight transport within the vast territories. The merchant marine fleet includes 318 vessels made up of various types of cargo ships.
- 524,000 fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023)
- 4.84 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
Communications
In terms of communication, 83% of the population is reported to use the internet, while the country has a growing telecommunications infrastructure, with over 4.84 million mobile subscriptions. Mongolia's media landscape includes both state-run and independent outlets, enhancing information dissemination across urban and rural areas.
- 499,000 fixed broadband subscriptions (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,281,676 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 1,564,116 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $59.221 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Energy consumption per capita | 67.132 million Btu/person | 2023 estimate |
| Birth rate | 14.9 births/1,000 people | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment rate | 5.5% | 2024 estimate |
| Life expectancy | 71.9 years | 2024 estimate |
| Literacy rate | 98.7% | 2022 estimate |
| Inflation rate | 6.8% | 2024 estimate |
| Military expenditure | 0.7% of GDP | 2024 estimate |
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