Mongolia is bordered by Russia to the north and the People's Republic of China to the south, east and west. Although Mongolia does not share a border with Kazakhstan, its western-most point is only from Kazakhstan's eastern tip. Ulan Bator, the capital (political) and largest city, is home to about 38% of the population. Mongolia's political system is a parliamentary republic.
 
The area of what is now Mongolia has been ruled by various nomadic empires, including the Xiongnu, the Xianbei, the Rouran, the Gökturks and others. The Mongol Empire was founded by Genghis Khan in 1206. After the collapse of the Yuan Dynasty, the Mongols returned to their earlier pattern of constant internal conflict and occasional raids on the Chinese borderlands. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Mongolia came under the influence of Buddhism in Mongolia. At the end of the 17th century, most of Mongolia had been incorporated into the area ruled by the Qing Dynasty. During the collapse of the Qing Dynasty in 1911, Mongolia declared independence, but had to struggle until 1921 to firmly establish ''de facto'' independence from the Republic of China, and until 1945 to gain international Diplomatic recognition.
 
As a consequence, it came under strong Russian and Soviet Union influence; in 1924, the Mongolian People's Republic was declared, and Mongolian politics began to follow the same patterns as the Soviet politics of the time. After the Revolutions of 1989 in late 1989, Mongolia saw its own 1990 Democratic Revolution in Mongolia in early 1990, which led to a multi-party system, a new constitution in 1992, and transition to a market economy.
 
The country contains very little arable land, as much of its area is covered by steppes, with mountains to the north and west and the Gobi Desert to the south. Approximately 30% of the population are nomadic or semi-nomadic. The predominant religion in Mongolia is Tibetan Buddhism, and the majority of the state's citizens are of the Mongol ethnic group, though Kazakhs, Tuvans, and other minorities also live in the country, especially in the west. About 20% of the population live on less than US$1.25 per day.

Why visit?

  • Mongolia is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the endangered snow leopard, the wild Bactrian camel, and the majestic Mongolian gazelle.
  • Mongolia is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world. From the Gobi Desert to the Altai Mountains, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors.
  • Mongolia is home to some of the oldest monuments in the world, including the ancient city of Karakorum and the ruins of the ancient Mongol Empire.