Mongolia’s population was approximately 647,500 in 1918, rising to 1 million by 1962 and reaching 2 million by 1988. The most rapid population growth occurred between the 1960s and 1970s, when the average annual growth rate approached 3.0%, leading to a doubling of the population in less than 25 years. This surge was largely driven by major advancements in healthcare and education, along with expanded access to medical services. Following the political and social transition of the 1990s, the growth rate declined, but the population continued to increase, reaching 2.75 million in 2010, 3 million in 2015, and 3.6 million in the first quarter of 2025. In recent years, population growth has stabilized, with a recorded growth rate of 1.1% in 2024.

Mongolia is predominantly inhabited by ethnic Mongols, with smaller populations of Kazakhs and other ethnic groups. The country is divided into urban and rural settlements. The urban population accounted for 44% in 1970, 57% in 1990, and 67.9% in 2010. Currently, approximately 71% of the total population lives in urban areas. The country is often regarded as a nation of youth, with 38.8% of the population under the age of 19, 44.7% under 24, and 58.5% under 34. The younger generation values education, continuing the rich tradition of their ancestors who have long revered knowledge and learning. For instance, in the 2023–2024 academic year, a total of 145,200 students graduated from various educational levels. This included 99,100 graduates from general education schools, 18,500 from technical and vocational education institutions, and 27,600 from universities and colleges.

Ancient script monuments are valuable cultural heritage that play an important role in the history, culture, and linguistic development of the Mongols. These inscriptions and texts not only preserve the intellectual culture, communication methods, and historical context of Mongolian people from centuries past but also serve as important primary sources that reveal the social, political, and cultural conditions of their respective periods.

Burial sites and tombs from the Xiongnu period through the Middle Ages and later eras are essential archaeological sources for studying the history, culture, and customs of the states that once existed in Mongolian territory. Artifacts and structural elements from these sites provide insight into the social structure, rituals, religious beliefs, lifestyles, and craftsmanship of those eras. Mongolia is a nation with a rich history and a cultural heritage that is globally recognized and admired. Archaeological findings from the Stone, Eneolithic, and Bronze Ages are rightfully regarded as invaluable contributions to human history. These artifacts provide compelling evidence that the territory of Mongolia has been inhabited since ancient times, with early populations engaged in activities such as hunting and the production of tools and weapons.

This chapter includes 23 maps related to population, society, and historical and cultural heritage sites of Mongolia. The maps offer valuable information about the country’s demography, migration trends, urban and rural classifications, ethnic composition, and cultural landmarks from the Stone Age onward.