Verified Facts

Official NameMongolia
CapitalUlan Bator
Population3.5 million
Area1,564,110 km² (603906 sq mi)
LanguagesMongolian
CurrencyMongolian tögrög (₮)
TimezoneUTC+07:00, UTC+08:00
RegionAsia / Eastern Asia
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API

Quick Facts

GDP (nominal)($13.7 billion estimate)
GDP Per Capita($4,100 estimate)
Income Classification(Lower-Middle)
Main Industries(mining, agriculture, services)
CurrencyMNT
Unemployment Rate(7.3% approximate)
Ease of Doing Business(ranked 74th globally)

Economic Overview

Mongolia has a lower-middle-income economy with a high level of dependence on the mining sector. The country's economic classification is driven by its vast mineral resources, including coal, copper, gold, and uranium. The development level of the economy is still in the process of transitioning from a centrally planned to a market-based economy. The economic trajectory of Mongolia is expected to be driven by the growth of the mining sector, as well as the development of other industries such as agriculture and services.

The economy of Mongolia has been growing rapidly over the past two decades, with an average annual growth rate of 7%. However, the economy is also vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices, as well as weather-related risks such as droughts and extreme cold. The government has been implementing policies to diversify the economy and reduce its dependence on the mining sector. One of the key priorities is to develop the country's infrastructure, including transportation networks, energy systems, and telecommunications.

The economic system of Mongolia is a mixed economy, with a combination of state-owned and private enterprises. The government plays a significant role in the economy, particularly in the mining sector, where state-owned enterprises are dominant. However, the private sector is also growing rapidly, particularly in the services and agriculture sectors. The government has been implementing policies to promote private sector development, including tax incentives and investment promotion.

Key Industries

IndustryContributionDetails
Mining20% of GDPCoal, copper, gold, and uranium are the main minerals extracted
Agriculture15% of GDPLivestock and crop production, including wheat, potatoes, and vegetables
Services40% of GDPFinancial services, trade, and tourism are the main service sectors
Manufacturing10% of GDPFood processing, textiles, and construction materials are the main manufacturing sectors
Tourism5% of GDPAdventure tourism, cultural tourism, and ecotourism are the main tourist attractions

Trade Profile

Top Exports:

  • Copper: Mongolia is a significant producer of copper, with most of its exports going to China
  • Coal: Coal is another major export of Mongolia, with China and Russia being the main markets
  • Gold: Gold is also an important export of Mongolia, with most of it being exported to Switzerland and the UK
  • Uranium: Mongolia has significant uranium reserves, with most of its exports going to China and Russia
  • Cashmere: Mongolia is also a significant producer of cashmere, with most of its exports going to China and Italy

Top Imports:

  • Machinery and equipment: Mongolia imports a significant amount of machinery and equipment, particularly from China and Russia
  • Fuel: Fuel is another major import of Mongolia, with most of it coming from Russia and China
  • Vehicles: Vehicles are also an important import of Mongolia, with most of them coming from China and Japan
  • Electronics: Electronics, including computers and smartphones, are also a significant import of Mongolia
  • Food products: Food products, including meat and dairy products, are also imported by Mongolia, particularly from China and Russia

Key Trading Partners:

  • China: China is Mongolia's largest trading partner, accounting for more than 80% of its exports and 30% of its imports
  • Russia: Russia is another significant trading partner of Mongolia, accounting for around 10% of its exports and 20% of its imports
  • Japan: Japan is also an important trading partner of Mongolia, accounting for around 5% of its exports and 10% of its imports

Infrastructure

  • The transportation network in Mongolia is still underdeveloped, with most of the roads being unpaved and in poor condition
  • The energy sector in Mongolia is dominated by coal-fired power plants, with some renewable energy sources, including wind and solar power
  • Internet and mobile penetration in Mongolia is relatively high, with around 70% of the population having access to the internet and mobile phones
  • The main port in Mongolia is the Tianjin Port in China, which is used for most of its international trade
  • The main airport in Mongolia is the Chinggis Khaan International Airport, which is located near Ulaanbaatar and serves as the main hub for international flights

Economic Outlook

The economic outlook for Mongolia is positive, with the country expected to continue growing rapidly over the next few years. The mining sector is expected to drive the growth, with the development of new mines and the expansion of existing ones. The government is also implementing policies to diversify the economy and reduce its dependence on the mining sector. One of the key priorities is to develop the country's infrastructure, including transportation networks, energy systems, and telecommunications.

The government has also been implementing policies to promote private sector development, including tax incentives and investment promotion. The country has also been actively promoting foreign investment, particularly in the mining and infrastructure sectors. The development of the country's human resources is also a key priority, with the government implementing policies to improve education and training. Overall, the economic outlook for Mongolia is positive, with the country expected to continue growing rapidly over the next few years and becoming an increasingly important player in the regional economy.

Related: Cost of Living · Monthly Budget Guide