Ulaanbaatar

Lore & Background

During its early years, it became Mongolia's preeminent religious centre. Modern urban planning began in the 1950s, replacing most old ger districts with Soviet-style flats.

Reader's Guide

Ulaanbaatar's significance lies in its role as Mongolia's primate city, containing almost half of the country's total population and serving as its cultural, industrial, financial and transport centre. Governed as an independent municipality, it is surrounded by Töv Province. The city's history as a mobile monastic centre reflects Mongolia's nomadic heritage, while its permanent settlement along a historic trade route underscores its strategic importance. The city's name changes—from Örgöö to Ikh Khüree to Niĭslel Khüree to Ulaanbaatar—trace Mongolia's political evolution from Buddhist theocracy to communist state to democratic nation.

Did You Know?

• Ulaanbaatar is the coldest capital city in the world by average yearly temperature.
• Excessive coal production and consumption make Ulaanbaatar one of the world's most polluted cities, causing spikes in pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses among children.