Mongolia is a large landlocked country in East Asia. Known for its vast steppe landscapes and rich history, it is one of the world’s most fascinating countries. Here are 10 fun facts about Mongolia. Let’s read.
Geographical overview
Mongolia has an area of approximately 1.56 million square kilometers and a population of about 3.5 million (2025 estimate). It is the 19th-largest country in the world by area.
The terrain in Mongolia is largely mountainous and hilly. The southern regions are dominated by desert landscapes, particularly the Gobi Desert. The northwestern part of the country contains numerous lakes. Mongolia is bordered by Russia to the north and China to the east, south, and west.
10 fun facts about Mongolia
1. Mongolia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world, with a population density of just about 2 people per square kilometer.
2. The capital city of Mongolia is Ulaanbaatar. It is home to about half of the country’s total population, with over 1.6 million residents.
Ulaanbaatar is the coldest capital city in the world. It is significantly colder than cities such as Moscow and Helsinki. Winter temperatures in Ulaanbaatar can drop as low as −40 °C (−40 °F).
3. The largest contiguous empire in history, the Mongol Empire, originated in present-day Mongolia.
4. The Gobi Desert covers much of southern and southeastern Mongolia. It is the sixth-largest desert in the world.
5. About 30-40 percent of Mongolia’s population is nomadic.
6. Mongolia is the second-largest landlocked country in the world after Kazakhstan.
(Also read: Top 10 largest landlocked countries in the world)
7. Parts of Mongolia and northwestern China are home to the last few hundred Wild Bactrian camel. The species is classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and may soon become extinct.
8. Mongolian wrestling is the national sport of Mongolia. Other popular sports in the country include football, horse racing, and archery.
9. Khüiten Peak, with an elevation of 4,356 m (14,291 ft), is the highest mountain in Mongolia. It is located in the Altai Mountains.
10. The Orkhon River is the longest river in Mongolia, with a length of 1,124 km. It flows from central Mongolia northward, where it joins the Selenga River.
| Area | approximately 1.56 million sq km |
| Area rank in the world | 19th |
| Population | 3.5 million (2025 estimate) |
| Capital and largest city | Ulaanbaatar |
| Official language | Mongolian |
| Currency | Mongolian Tugrik |
| National flower | Scabiosa comosa |
| National animal | Przewalski’s horse |
| National bird | Saker falcon |