Introduction to Mongolia

Quick Overview

Landlocked between Russia and China, Mongolia is renowned for the vastness of its steppes.

Key Facts

• Type of place: country.

• Location: in the heart of Asia, between Russia to the north and China to the south.

• Latitude/longitude: 47°55' N, 106°55' E.

• Local time: Heure : 12810

• Capital: Ulaanbaatar.

• Nature of the state: semi-presidential republic.

• Official language: Mongolian.

• Currency: tögrög.

• Population: 3,103,428 inhabitants (2018).

• Area: 1,564,116 km².

• Density: 2 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Khüiten Peak (4,374 m).

• Lowest point: Höh Nuur (518 m).

• Coastline: 0 km; no maritime access.

• Driving: on the right.

Tourism

Forests and endless steppes set against a backdrop of mountains—Mongolia and its vast desert landscapes will delight nature lovers and adventurers looking to experience off-the-beaten-path travel.

While Mongolia is a dream destination, it doesn’t attract crowds and caters to a specific audience, with around 500,000 visitors per year (529,000 in 2018). Unsurprisingly, the majority of tourists come from neighboring countries, with China leading (nearly 40% of arrivals), followed by Russia, South Korea, Japan, and Kazakhstan. Western visitors are far fewer, with around 15,000 Americans and 8,000–10,000 Germans or French annually.

Travel Essentials

• Destination: for somewhat experienced travelers.

• By air: France–Ulaanbaatar.

• Entry requirements: passport valid for at least 6 months after entry date + visa.

• Currency to bring:

• Exchange rate:

• Daily "backpacker" budget:

• Best for accommodation:

• Best for getting around:

• Risks:

• Best time for climate/crowds/prices:

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★★★; Adventure ★★★★; Culture ★★; Relaxation/Holidays ⊘

Useful Addresses

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life": 92/188 (rank in 2018)

• GDP per capita: $13,000 (2017)

• Average monthly income: ()

• Inflation: +4.6% (2017)

• "Official" unemployment: 8% (2017)

• Population below poverty line: 29.6% (2016)

• Life expectancy: 70.2 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -0.8 (2017)

• Population growth: +1.11% (2018)

• Literacy rate: 98.4% (2015)

• Urban population: 68.4% (2018)

• Press freedom: 71/180 (rank in 2018)

• Political regime: flawed democracy (62/167 in 2018)

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook