Mongolia is a large landlocked country in East Asia. Known for its steppe landscapes and rich history, Mongolia is one of the world’s most interesting countries. Here are 10 fun facts about Mongolia. Let’s read.
Mongolia geographical overview
Mongolia has an area of 1.56 million square kilometer and a population of about 3.5 million (2024 estimate). Mongolia has the 19th largest area among all countries.
The terrain in Mongolia is mostly mountainous/hilly. The southern regions have a desert landscape. There are many lakes in the northwestern regions. Mongolia is bordered by Russia in the north and China in the east, west, and south.
10 fun facts about Mongolia
1. Mongolia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world. The population density in Mongolia is just about 2 people per square kilometer.
2. The capital city of Mongolia is Ulaanbaatar. Ulaanbaatar is home to about half of the total population of Mongolia. The population of Ulaanbaatar is over 1.6 million.
Ulaanbaatar is the coldest capital city in the world. Not even Moscow or Helsinki is as cold as Ulaanbaatar. Winter temperatures in Ulaanbaatar can drop as low as −40 °C/−40.0 °F.
3. The largest contiguous empire in history, the Mongol Empire, originated in present-day Mongolia.
4. The Gobi desert covers the southern and southeastern parts of Mongolia. The Gobi desert is the sixth largest desert in the world.
5. About 30-40 percent population of Mongolia is nomadic.
6. Parts of Mongolia and northwestern China are home to the last few hundred Wild Bactrian camels. The Wild Bactrian camel is classified as critically endangered by IUCN and may soon become extinct.
7. Mongolian wrestling is the national sport in Mongolia. Other popular sports in Mongolia are football, horse racing, archery, etc.
8. Mongolia is the second-largest landlocked country in the world after Kazakhstan.
(Also read: Top 10 largest landlocked countries in the world)
9. Khüiten Peak which has an elevation of 4,356 m/14,291 ft is the highest mountain peak in Mongolia. The peak is located in the Altai Mountains.
10. Orkhon River is the longest river in Mongolia. It has a length of 1,124 km. The Orkhon River flows from central Mongolia to the Northern regions where it joins the Selenga River.
| Area | 1.56 million sq km |
| Area rank | 19th |
| Population | 3.5 million (2024 estimate) |
| Capital and largest city | Ulaanbaatar |
| Official language | Mongolian |
| Currency | Mongolian tögrög |
| National flower | Scabiosa comosa |
| National animal | Przewalski’s horse |
| National bird | Saker falcon |