ABOUT MONGOLIA

Geography & Location

• •Located in East-Central Asia, between Russia & China
• •1,564,116 sq. km (19th largest country)
• •Elevation: Highest point – 4,324m, Lowest point – 560m
• •Water sources: Lakes (83.7%), Glaciers (10.5%), Rivers (5.8%)
• •300+ therapeutic springs; 60% of rivers cross borders

Demographics

• •Population: approximately 3.5 million
• •90% Mongol (Khalkh) ethnicity, 10% Kazaks and others
• •Official language: Mongolian
• •21 provinces ("aimags") + capital Ulaanbaatar
• •51% female, 49% male
• •63% of population is under 35
• •180,000+ nomadic families maintaining traditional lifestyles

Government & Economy

• •Parliamentary republic with president and prime minister
• •Multi-party democracy since 1990
• •Market economy, transitioning from socialism after 1990
• •GDP: Around $17 billion in 2023
• •Key Sectors: Mining (copper, coal, gold), agriculture, services
• •Main trade partners: China and Russia

Ancient History

Mongolia's history spans over 800,000 years, with the earliest evidence of human habitation found through ancient tools and cave paintings. The first notable nomadic empires were the Xiongnu (209 BC – 93 AD), who laid the groundwork for future Mongol empires, followed by the Xianbi (93 – 234 AD) and the Rouran (Jujuan) Empire (330 – 555 AD).

These were succeeded by the Turkic Khaganate (552 – 745 AD) and the Uighur Khaganate (744 – 840 AD), before the rise of the Kirghiz.

The Great Mongol Empire

In the early 13th century, Genghis Khan (1162 – 1227) united the fragmented Mongol tribes and established the Great Mongol State in 1206, eventually expanding into the vast Mongol Empire, which at its peak spanned from Europe to China.

Under Kublai Khan (1215–1294), the empire reached its zenith, eventually forming the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) in China. After the fall of the Yuan Dynasty, Mongolia came under the control of the Manchu Qing Dynasty (1644–1912).

Mongolia declared its independence in 1911, later establishing the Mongolian People's Republic in 1924 under Soviet influence, and transitioning to a democracy in 1990.

Mongolia has a population of about 3.4 million, despite modernization nearly 30-40% still practicing a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle moving with their livestock across the country's steppes, deserts, and mountains. Families rely on horses, yaks, camels, and sheep for food, clothing, and transport, while maintaining deep-rooted customs of hospitality and resilience.

Mongolia's vast landscape, consisting of steppes, deserts, and mountains, has shaped a unique nomadic culture. The Mongolian climate is extreme, with scorching summers reaching 30–40°C and freezing winters as low as -40°C. This environment makes pastoral nomadism the most sustainable way of life, as herders move in search of better pasture for their livestock.

Even in the digital age, Mongolian nomads use solar panels, motorcycles, and smartphones alongside their traditional ways. Some young nomads share their daily lives on social media, while others work seasonally in cities but return to the steppe to help their families during key times like winter and livestock migrations.

The Role of Horses

Horses are an integral part of Mongolian culture and identity, earning the country the nickname "Land of the Horses." With more horses than people, Mongolia has a deep connection to these animals, which are used for transport, herding, and sports. Mongolians learn to ride at a young age, and the bond between Mongolian people and horses is central to daily life.

The Naadam Festival, held annually in July, features horse racing as one of its three main events, alongside wrestling and archery. The Mongol Empire, under Genghis Khan, relied heavily on mounted cavalry, which made horses essential to its military conquests.

Airag, fermented mare's milk, is a traditional beverage and a symbol of hospitality, often served to guests in Mongolia. Horses remain critical to herding livestock, and the annual horse races during Naadam celebrate their importance in Mongolian culture and history.

Buddhism in Mongolia

Mongolia's religious landscape is a blend of Tibetan Buddhism and shamanism. Buddhism arrived in Mongolia in the 16th century and became the dominant religion under the patronage of the Qing Dynasty. The most important Buddhist practices center around monasteries, such as Gandan Monastery in Ulaanbaatar and Erdene Zuu, the oldest monastery in Mongolia.

Buddhism emphasizes the role of Lamas (monks), who guide the spiritual practices of communities. Tsam dance, a ritual performed by monks, is an important part of Buddhist ceremonies, believed to ward off evil spirits.

During the Soviet era, Buddhism was severely suppressed, and many monasteries were destroyed. However, after Mongolia's transition to democracy in 1990, Buddhism has experienced a resurgence.

Shamanism & Tengrism

Shamanism, specifically Tengrism, remains an important spiritual practice. Tengrism involves the worship of nature, ancestral spirits, and the Eternal Blue Sky. Shamans act as mediators between the physical and spiritual worlds, conducting rituals for healing, protection, and guidance.

Rituals often include offerings at Ovoo (stone altars) and ceremonies honoring animals like eagles and wolves, symbols of strength and power. Today, many Mongolians practice a blend of Buddhism and shamanism, consulting Lamas for spiritual guidance while also participating in shamanistic practices to connect with the natural world.

Mongolian culture has been deeply shaped by its nomadic lifestyle, spirituality, and history. The Mongols originally practiced shamanism, a spiritual belief system centered around the worship of nature, ancestors, and the Eternal Blue Sky (Tengri). Genghis Khan's tolerant policies allowed for religious diversity, fostering the growth of Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam within the empire.

By the 16th century, Tibetan Buddhism became the dominant religion in Mongolia, particularly under the leadership of Avtai Khan. Buddhism flourished, and many Mongols became monks by the 19th century. During the Soviet era, Buddhism was severely suppressed, and many monasteries were destroyed. However, after Mongolia's transition to democracy in 1990, Buddhism has experienced a resurgence.

Mongolian cuisine is primarily meat-based and dairy-heavy, reflecting the challenges of living in a harsh environment with limited agricultural options. Meat, particularly mutton, is a staple, with several distinctive dishes:

Whether you're riding across the steppe, staying in a traditional ger (yurt), or witnessing the legendary Naadam Festival, Mongolia offers a journey into a world where the past and present exist in harmony.

Where to stay? - Accommodation

Transportation

Getting there

What to eat? - Meals