Country Profile: Mongolia
Mongolia, located in Northern Asia between China and Russia, is characterized by its vast semidesert and desert plains, as well as extreme climate variations. The country has a population of approximately 3.3 million people, predominantly of Khalkh ethnicity, with significant Kazak and Durvud minorities. The economy is a lower middle-income model, heavily reliant on agriculture and natural resources, experiencing challenges such as inflation and currency depreciation. Governance is defined as a semi-presidential republic, with a recent history marked by a transition to democracy since 1990.
Geography
Mongolia is landlocked, sharing borders with China to the south and Russia to the north, and has a total area of 1,564,116 sq km. The terrain features the Gobi Desert in the south, alongside mountainous regions and grassy steppes. With an average elevation of 1,528 m, Mongolia has a diverse climate that ranges from desert to continental.
- 4,630 km: Length of the border with China
- 3,452 km: Length of the border with Russia
- 10,560 sq km: Area of water bodies
- 9.1%: Forest cover of total land area (2023)
People and Society
The population of Mongolia is estimated to be 3,281,676 in 2024, with a majority residing in urban areas such as the capital, Ulaanbaatar. The official language is Mongolian, and the predominant religion is Buddhism. The population is relatively young, with a median age of 28.8 years, and a literacy rate of 98.6%.
- 25.7%: Percentage of the population aged 0-14 years (2024)
- 69.1%: Urban population as a percentage of total (2023)
- 18.01 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025 est.)
- 5.35 deaths/1,000: Death rate (2025 est.)
- 71.9 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
Economy
Mongolia's economy is characterized by significant agricultural and natural resource wealth, with real GDP growth projected at 4.9% for 2024. Major industries include mining and agriculture, but the economy also faces inflation and external debt challenges. As of 2024, the GDP per capita is estimated at $16,800.
- $59.221 billion: Real GDP (purchasing power parity) (2024 est.)
- 5.5%: Unemployment rate (2024)
- 27.1%: Population living below the poverty line (2022 est.)
- $15.501 billion: Exports (2023 est.)
- $13.545 billion: Imports (2023 est.)
Government
Mongolia operates as a semi-presidential republic with an executive branch led by President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh. The legislative body, the State Great Hural, consists of 126 members elected by the populace. The judiciary includes the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court.
- 18 years: Minimum voting age
- 21 provinces: Administrative divisions across the country
- Ulaanbaatar: Capital, coordinates 47°55'N, 106°55'E
- 0.7%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.)
Military and Security
The Mongolian Armed Forces consist of land, air, and cyber security units, with personnel estimates ranging from 10,000 to 20,000. The country has engaged in international peacekeeping efforts, contributing troops to missions worldwide. Military spending stands at 0.7% of GDP for 2024.
- 850: Personnel deployed in South Sudan for UN operations (2025)
- 18-25 years: Age range for voluntary military service
- 12 months: Length of compulsory military service for men
Energy
Mongolia has a total electricity access rate of 100%, primarily generated from fossil fuels, which make up 90.4% of the installed capacity. The country’s electricity generation is growing, with consumption reaching 8.997 billion kWh in 2023.
- 64.824 million metric tons: Coal production (2023 est.)
- 15,000 bbl/day: Total petroleum production (2023 est.)
- 67.132 million Btu/person: Total energy consumption per capita (2023 est.)
Environment
Environmental challenges in Mongolia include air pollution from coal, water resource limitations, and desertification. The country is part of multiple international environmental agreements, such as the Paris Agreement and the Biodiversity Convention.
- 34.8 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022 est.)
- 41.3 micrograms/m³: Particulate matter emissions (2019 est.)
- 2.9 million tons: Annual municipal solid waste generated (2024 est.)
Transportation
Mongolia has a varied transportation network, including 37 airports and an extensive rail network covering 1,815 km. This infrastructure supports both domestic travel and international trade.
- 318: Total merchant vessels (2023)
- 524,000: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023)
Communications
Mongolia's internet penetration is high, with 83% of the population being internet users in 2023. The telecommunications sector includes both fixed-line and mobile services, offering extensive coverage across the country.
- 4.84 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
- 499,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,281,676 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 1,564,116 sq km | |
| Real GDP (PPP) | $59.221 billion | 2024 estimate |
| GDP per capita | $16,800 | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment rate | 5.5% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth rate | 18.01 births/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Life expectancy at birth | 71.9 years | 2024 estimate |
| Electric consumption | 8.997 billion kWh | 2023 estimate |
| Military expenditures | 0.7% of GDP | 2024 estimate |
| Urban population | 69.1% | 2023 estimate |
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