Mongolia’s natural environment is a complex and diverse system shaped by its geographical location, climatic conditions, geological structure, and geomorphological evolution. Situated in the heart of Asia, much of the country's territory consists of elevated terrain. Its unique natural features, including mountain ranges, vast steppes, arid deserts, sand dunes, depressions, ridges, lakes, and rivers, not only serve as a source of national pride for Mongolians but also attract great interest from international researchers and tourists.

The geology of Mongolia is characterized by a wide variety of geological structures and rock formations shaped by ancient tectonic processes, making it a significant region in the global history of geological evolution. The country’s geological conditions are highly conducive to the formation of both metallic and non-metallic mineral resources. Among its most notable assets are the world-class “Oyu Tolgoi” copper-gold deposit and mining complex located in Ömnögovi Province, and the “Erdenet Mining Corporation”, which plays a crucial role in the national economy through its copper and molybdenum extraction activities.

Mongolia is exceptionally rich in ancient plant and animal fossils. Exploring numerous plant and animal fossils in the Gobi Desert, particularly in areas such as Bayanzag, Nemegt, Gurvantes, Tögrogiin Shiree, and Ukhaa Tolgoi, has made a significant contribution to the field of global paleontology and created opportunities for important discoveries.

Although Mongolia has relatively limited water resources, it ranks high globally in terms of per capita water availability. Due to the geographical location and natural and climatic conditions of the country, surface and groundwater resources are unevenly distributed. Major rivers such as the Selenge, Orkhon, Tuul, Kherlen, and Onon flow through the northern, central, eastern, and northeastern regions, while lakes like Khövsgöl, Uvs, Khyargas, and Buir are located in the northern, western, and eastern parts of the country.

Permafrost is mostly found in the mountainous areas of the Altai, Khangai, and Khentii ranges, as well as in the Khövsgöl region, and is closely linked to the distribution of water sources, forests, and soil characteristics. Mongolia’s soils are remarkably diverse, ranging from alpine tundra types to the gray-brown soils of arid deserts, encompassing nearly all major soil types found in temperate zones of the world. Forests are concentrated along the transitional zone between the Siberian taiga and the Central Asian steppe and desert, where they play a vital ecological role in regulating river flow, preserving soils, moderating climate, and mitigating desertification.

Mongolia’s vegetation is highly diverse, shaped by variations in climate, geography, and soil composition. The country is divided into several zones, including alpine, mountain taiga, forest-steppe, steppe, desert-steppe, and desert, each characterized by its distinct assemblage of plant and animal species. This zonal distribution reflects the complex environmental gradients across Mongolia’s vast territory.

Mongolia is a landlocked country located far from the oceans, and it has an extreme continental climate characterized by abrupt and frequent weather changes. This is one of the fundamental factors contributing to climate change in the country.

This chapter contains 62 small-scale maps that illustrate the natural conditions and resources of Mongolia. Readers can obtain comprehensive information about the country's topography, geology, mineral resources, ancient flora and fauna, climate, water, soil, vegetation, wildlife, and various nature-related topics.