Mongolia is a large and sparsely populated country in north-central Asia, known for its vast landscapes, nomadic culture and extreme climate – it’s also one of the most deserted places on Earth
Sprawling across over 1.6 million square km in north-central Asia is a stunning country with vast expanses of untouched beauty.
Yet it remains nearly “99.7 per cent empty” due to its sparse population in relation to its enormous land area. Mongolia, a landlocked nation largely comprised of grasslands and semi-deserts, boasts a rich history as the centre of Genghis Khan’s vast empire, which once stretched as far as Europe.
The capital, Ulaanbaatar, is home to about a third of the country’s inhabitants, while approximately 40 per cent of the workforce is comprised of nomadic herders who roam the expansive grasslands with their animals.
The harsh climate, encompassing intense summers and frigid winters, coupled with the arid steppe, desert, and mountainous regions, renders a significant portion of the country inhospitable to human habitation.
Sharing borders with Russia to the north and China to the south, Mongolia’s population totals around 3.4 million people, with a cultural tradition deeply rooted in nomadic herding practices. The need to seek out grazing lands and water sources leads to a spread-out population, lending to lower population densities.
Despite the rapid urbanisation of Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar, and a significant influx of people from rural areas, the country continues to grapple with the provision of infrastructure, services, and job opportunities for its expanding urban populace.
Mongolia’s vast landscapes, unique culture, and nomadic heritage, coupled with its sparse population, lend it a distinctive charm that makes it an attractive destination for adventure tourism and exploration.
The country’s appeal has not gone unnoticed by travellers who have taken to TripAdvisor to share their positive experiences, reports the Express. One satisfied visitor gushed: “It was a wonderful tour experience in Mongolia! Mongolia is beautiful and I was amazed by the landscape and wildlife along the way.
“The accommodations at the ger camps were comfortable and clean, and the food provided every day was delicious. The tour activities such as horse and camel riding were fun.”
Another user echoed these sentiments, adding a touch of humour: “Excellent place to live and raise a family! Consider moving here. The sandstorms keep the bandits out and the skeletal remains of camels make for great playhouses for the kids!
“The local population of 3 entire humans is very friendly and very welcoming. Plenty to do as well, like sand sledding/skiing and deciding who gets the food and water rations is quite challenging, yet fun to partake in. No better place to live, but we don’t want everyone to move here. Too many people as it is.”
