Mongolia

Mongolia, situated in East Asia, is a landlocked nation with a population of 3.5 million. It holds the distinction of being the world’s most sparsely populated sovereign state, encompassing a vast area of 1,564,116 square kilometres. This expansive country, situated between Russia in the north and China in the south, features a varied terrain that encompasses grassy steppes, mountainous areas, and the renowned Gobi Desert. Mongolia, the largest landlocked country without access to a closed sea, showcases a distinctive geographical profile that has influenced its history, culture, and development.

Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, functions as the political, economic, and cultural center of the country, accommodating nearly half of Mongolia’s entire population. This urban concentration sharply contrasts with the country’s vast, sparsely populated rural regions, emphasizing the divide between contemporary urban living and the enduring nomadic culture that continues to flourish in various areas of the nation.

The history of Mongolia is profoundly intertwined with the legacy of nomadic empires that have governed its lands throughout the ages. The area has served as a melting pot for nomadic civilizations, ranging from the Xiongnu and Xianbei to the Rouran and several Turkic Khaganates. Nonetheless, the ascent of Genghis Khan in 1206 signified a pivotal moment in both Mongolian and global history. Under his leadership, the Mongol Empire emerged as the largest contiguous land empire in history, extending across extensive regions of Eurasia. The empire’s reach expanded significantly when Kublai Khan, the grandson of Genghis Khan, conquered China and founded the Yuan dynasty, thereby incorporating Mongolia into a broader political framework.

After the fall of the Yuan dynasty, Mongolia went through a time of division and internal strife. This period was marked by short-lived moments of cohesion under the leadership of figures like Dayan Khan and Tumen Zasagt Khan. It was not until the 16th century that a new force emerged to significantly influence Mongolian society and culture: Tibetan Buddhism.

The introduction of Tibetan Buddhism in Mongolia significantly shaped the country’s spiritual and cultural environment. By the early 20th century, the religion had become so firmly established that nearly one-third of the adult male population had taken monastic vows as Buddhist monks. The religious fervor was further solidified during the Manchu rule under the Qing dynasty, which absorbed Mongolia in the 17th century.

The fall of the Qing dynasty in 1911 created a chance for Mongolia to claim its independence. Nevertheless, the journey towards complete sovereignty was intricate and filled with obstacles. Mongolia declared its independence in 1911, but it wasn’t until 1921 that it truly gained independence from the Republic of China. The brief period of newfound freedom came to an end when Mongolia became a satellite state of the Soviet Union, resulting in the formation of the Mongolian People’s Republic in 1924 as a socialist state.

For almost seventy years, Mongolia’s political, economic, and social frameworks were significantly shaped by Soviet-style communism. Nonetheless, the worldwide surge of anti-communist revolutions in 1989 ignited a tranquil democratic revolution in Mongolia in early 1990. This crucial moment in the nation’s history marked the beginning of a new era of political diversity, resulting in the establishment of a multi-party system and the introduction of a new constitution in 1992. In conjunction with these political shifts, Mongolia initiated a difficult transition from a centrally planned economy to a market-oriented economic system.

Modern Mongolia is a country balancing its rich traditions with contemporary influences. In spite of the rise in urbanization, around 30% of the population continues to live a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle. The significance of horses in Mongolian culture continues to be profound, showcasing the lasting impact of age-old traditions on contemporary Mongolian society.

Mongolia’s religious landscape is varied, with Buddhism representing the majority at 51.7% of the population. The second-largest group is notably comprised of individuals who identify as nonreligious, making up 40.6% of the population. Islam, although a minority religion in a broader context, holds a predominant position among the ethnic Kazakh community, especially in the western areas of the country. The ethnic composition of Mongolia reflects its religious diversity, with the vast majority being ethnic Mongols, while smaller populations of Kazakhs, Tuvans, and other minorities account for approximately 5% of the total population.

Mongolia has aimed to position itself as an active and engaged participant in the global community on the international stage. The nation participates in various international organizations, such as the United Nations, Asia Cooperation Dialogue, G77, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Mongolia’s position as a NATO global partner and its involvement in the Non-Aligned Movement illustrate its measured approach to international relations, fostering positive relationships with diverse global powers while upholding its independence and neutrality.

Mongolia’s accession to the World Trade Organization in 1997 represented a pivotal moment in its integration into the global economy. This action has been integral to a wider strategy aimed at increasing the nation’s involvement in regional economic and trade organizations, with the goal of utilizing its distinctive location between Russia and China to promote economic growth and development.