Mongolia has a population of just 3 million and is considered one of the most sparsely populated countries on the planet. The world population of Mongolians is believed to be closer to 10 million, as Mongolians also reside in China (Inner Mongolia) and Russia – with more spread out around the globe. Mongolians are sometimes called the friendliest country in Asia. There is no doubt that when visiting a true nomadic family you will be made more welcome than almost anywhere.

Mongolian Population

People from Mongolia are known as Mongolians or Mongols. Mongolian generally refers to the broader inhabitants of the country including non-Mongol groups that live here such as the Kazakhs. Ethnic Mongols make up 95% of the Mongolian population. Khalkha Mongols are the largest Mongol mix (86%). The other Mongol groups are Oirats, Buryats and other smaller groups. The 5% none Mongolian population is primarily made up of Kazakhs and Tuvans.

Mongolian Language

The official language of Mongolia is the Khalkha dialect Mongol and is spoken by a majority of the people. It shares some similarities to Turkic and Tungusic languages. For a time scholars believed the origins of these languages shared the same thread, although now it’s understood that they have common features due to their geographical closeness but have grown alone. Mongolian is slightly unusual as it has two written scripts. The first Mongolian script was introduced by Chinggis Khan in the 13th century. It survived up until it was made illegal to use during the Soviet period.

The Mongolian Cyrillic alphabet was introduced in 1941 where it was then made mandatory to study in schools. The Cyrillic script is still used today, although the traditional vertical form is making a return being introduced back into education.

Mongolian Living

It is believed that just over half of the country lives in the city. The remainder still chooses a nomadic/ Semi-nomadic existence.

City life is fast becoming westernized with an average 5 day working week 9-5, Saturday/ Sunday as rest days. With a young population, Mongolia has a growing youth scene with homegrown hip hop and young bands dominating the music scene. The hours of work, school, college, and retail are staggered in Ulaanbaatar in an attempt to ease the traffic congestion.

Over a million people still choose their nomadic lifestyle out in the countryside. Whether it is Steppe, desert or mountain, they herd sheep, goats, yaks, horses, and camels. Most of what they have will come from the herd. Mongolian herdsmen will still produce their food meat, milk, cheese and curds as the staples. Not forgetting alcohol – why not try fermented mare’s milk! The typical nomad still lives in his circular felt tent called a Ger. They come in various sizes and traditionally are constructed with no nails.

In the far west, the Kazakhs have similar homes known as Yurts.

Mongolian Family

Mongolian families are traditionally large, in the past, it wasn’t uncommon to find a husband and wife with 10 children. Nowadays families are a little more manageable consisting of around 3-4 children. A Mongolian family will always be large as the extended families remain close, cousins, nieces and nephews supporting each other throughout life is the norm. Young children will always be cared for by the extended families when grandparents are not around to help out. Quite often there is no clear divide between city and country living as most Mongolians will still have family members living in the countryside and vice versa. Both helping each other at times with the essentials needed city folk sending modern necessities to the country such as clothing, footwear, and electrical products, in return country cousins will send fresh meat and dairy products.