Country Profile: Mongolia
Mongolia is a landlocked country located in Northern Asia, nestled between China and Russia. With a sparse population of approximately 3.28 million, the nation is rich in natural resources, particularly coal, copper, and gold, which drive its economy. Transitioning to a democracy in 1990, Mongolia has since established a semi-presidential republic characterized by a vibrant political landscape and regular elections. The government maintains a balance between its significant cultural ties to Russia and its economic dependencies on China.
Geography
Mongolia's terrain features vast semidesert and desert plains, alongside the Gobi Desert in the south-central region. Its land area covers approximately 1,564,116 square kilometers, making it slightly smaller than Alaska. The country has no coastline, as it is entirely landlocked, bordered by China and Russia.
- 1,564,116 sq km: Total area (2024)
- 0 km: Coastline (landlocked)
- 4,630 km: Border with China
- 3,452 km: Border with Russia
- 4,374 m: Highest point at Nayramadlin Orgil (Khuiten Peak)
People and Society
Mongolia's population is predominantly Khalkh (83.8%), with the capital city, Ulaanbaatar, housing about 1.67 million people. The ethnic diversity includes notable communities of Kazak and Durvud. The official language is Mongolian, and the society is greatly influenced by Buddhism and traditional nomadic culture.
- 3,281,676: Total population (2024)
- 69.1%: Urban population (2023)
- 98.6%: Literacy rate (2023)
- 71.9 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024)
- 18.01 births/1,000 population: Birth rate (2025)
Economy
Mongolia's economy is classified as lower middle-income and relies heavily on its agricultural output and natural resource exports. The nation has seen significant economic growth driven by investment and demand for minerals. However, challenges include high inflation and currency depreciation.
- $59.221 billion: Real GDP (PPP) in 2024
- 5.5%: Unemployment rate (2024)
- 27.1%: Population below the poverty line (2022)
- 44.2%: Services sector contribution to GDP (2024)
- $15.501 billion: Exports (2023)
Government
Mongolia operates as a semi-presidential republic, with a President and Prime Minister sharing executive powers. The legislative body, the State Great Hural, is unicameral with 126 members. The country emphasizes democratic processes and has experienced stable governance since its transition from socialism.
- Ulaanbaatar: Capital city
- President: Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh (since 2021)
- Next election: Expected in 2027
- 21 provinces: Administrative divisions
- 18 years: Voting age
Military and Security
The Mongolian Armed Forces (MAF) are tasked with national defense and internal security support. Military expenditures represent a small fraction of GDP, reflecting the country's focus on maintaining a peaceful and secure environment while contributing to international peacekeeping missions.
- 0.7% of GDP: Military expenditures (2024)
- 10-20,000: Estimated active military personnel (2025)
- 850: Troops deployed in South Sudan (2025)
- 24 months: Initial service for compulsory military service
- Khaan Quest: Annual international peacekeeping exercise
Energy
Mongolia’s energy sector is predominantly based on coal, accounting for a significant share of its electricity generation. The country has made strides in expanding access to electricity, with all citizens having access to electrical power.
- 100%: Electrification rate (2022)
- 8.997 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023)
- 64.824 million metric tons: Coal production (2023)
- 15,000 bbl/day: Total petroleum production (2023)
- 67.132 million Btu/person: Energy consumption per capita (2023)
Environment
Mongolia faces various environmental challenges, including limited freshwater resources and air pollution from coal burning. The nation is committed to participating in international environmental agreements to combat these issues, while also managing its natural landscapes.
- 19.203 million metric tons: CO2 emissions (2023)
- 34.8 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022)
- 9.1%: Forest coverage (2023)
- 13%: Municipal solid waste recycling rate (2022)
- 69%: Agricultural land (2023)
Transportation
The transportation infrastructure includes an extensive railway system and numerous airports, facilitating both domestic and international travel. The civil aircraft registration code is JU, and the country continues to develop its transport capabilities.
- 1,815 km: Total railway length (2017)
- 37: Number of airports (2025)
- 318: Total vessels in merchant marine (2023)
- 524,000: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023)
- 4.84 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
Communications
Mongolia has a growing communications infrastructure. A significant proportion of the population now has access to the internet and mobile telephony, enhancing connectivity and access to information.
- 83%: Internet penetration rate (2023)
- 499,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023)
- 142 per 100 inhabitants: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2022)
- 524,000: Fixed line telephone subscriptions (2023)
- 15: Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants for fixed lines (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,281,676 | Estimated for 2024 |
| Area | 1,564,116 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP | $59.221 billion | Real GDP (PPP) for 2024 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.5% | Estimated for 2024 |
| Birth Rate | 18.01 births/1,000 | Estimated for 2025 |
| Life Expectancy | 71.9 years | Estimated for 2024 |
| Literacy Rate | 98.6% | Estimated for 2023 |
| Military Expenditure | 0.7% of GDP | Estimated for 2024 |
| Energy Consumption | 67.132 million Btu/person | Estimated for 2023 |
| Total Exports | $15.501 billion | Estimated for 2023 |
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