Alternative History
Mongolia
ᠮᠤᠩᠭᠤᠯ ᠤᠯᠤᠰ
Монгол Улс
Timeline: Differently
Flag of Mongolia (Differently) Coat of Arms of Mongolia
Flag Coat of arms
Anthem: 
ᠣᠩᠭᠣᠯ ᠤᠯᠤᠰᠤᠨ ᠲᠥᠷᠥᠶᠢᠨ ᠳᠠᠭᠤᠯᠠᠯ
"Монгол улсын төрийн дуулал"
(National Anthem of Mongolia)

Mongolia map Differently
Mongolia (green)
CapitalUlaanbaatar
Official languages Mongolian
Government Federal semi-theocratic monarchy
 -  Bogd Khan 10th Jebtsundamba Khutughtu
 -  Regent Khaltmaagiin Battulga
 -  Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene
Independence from China
 -  Mongolian Revolution 1911 
Area
 -  Total 2,749,000 km2 
1,061,395 sq mi 
Population
 -  Estimate 27,787,998 (59th)
Currency Tögrög (MNT)
Drives on the right

Mongolia, officially the Mongolian State, also known as the Bogd Khanate of Great Mongolia, is a landlocked country in East Asia. It borders Russia on the north, Manchuria on the east, China on the south, and Uyghuristan on the southwest. It has a surface area of 2.7 million square kilometers, making it the fifth-largest country in Asia in the ninth-largest in the world. Its population of 27.7 million people make it Asia's 18th-most populous country, ranking 51st globally.

In the mid-13th century, Mongolia held the capital of the largest contiguous empire ever seen. The Mongol Empire ended up splitting into five minor states, all of which were eventually defeated. By the early 18th century, all of Mongolia had fallen to the Qing Dynasty and remained as their territory for centuries. Independence was only regained in 1911 with the Mongolian Revolution. The Mongolian Revolution inspired many separatist groups in China and, throughout the years, helped the success of the Tibetan Revolution and the Manchurian War of Independence.

The newly-established Mongolia was established as a theocratic absolute monarchy, and the Bogd Khan, being one of the figures of independence, was installed as the monarch. During the rule of the Bogd Khan, Mongolia remained a conservative and backwatered nation compared to an industrializing Soviet Union and China. When the Bogd Khan died, the position of Khan automatically went to the 9th Jebtsundamba Khutughtu. During his minority, a regent was installed, and thus began the tradition.

During the early reign of the 9th Jebtsundamba Khutughtu, a Russian Warlord entered Mongolian borders and overthrew the highly theocratic and conservative cabinet and replaced it with his own. Roman von Ungern-Sternberg went on to introduce Cyrillic script and helped strengthen the Mongol Army in the case of an invasion. With Roman von Ungern-Sternberg's death, a Hungarian con-artist who later became a buddhist abbot seized power. Ignaz Trebitsch-Lincoln further strengthened the army and collaborated with a now authoritarian China and a war-torn Japan. With his death in 1953 the regency ended as the new Bogd Khan was able to rule. The 9th Jebtsundamba Khutughtu died in 2012, and the current regent of Mongolia is Khaltmaagiin Battulga.

The modern Mongolian semi-theocratic khanate, which was influenced by both China and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, remained a relatively prosperous nation.

Economy[]

The Economy of Mongolia is a distinctive mixed market economic system operating under the framework of a semi-theocratic monarchy. With a GDP of $287 billion (2023) and a GDP per capita of $10,361 (nominal), Mongolia has developed into a significant regional economic power while maintaining its traditional Buddhist values and cultural heritage. The country ranks in the upper-middle-income category according to World Bank classifications. Mongolia's GDP growth has maintained a steady annual rate of 5-7% over the past decade.

National Resources and Mining[]

Mongolia possesses vast mineral wealth, with the mining sector contributing approximately 35% of GDP and accounting for 40% of export revenues as of 2023. The Oyu Tolgoi copper complex ranks among Asia's largest mining operations, with estimated reserves of 44.6 million tonnes of copper. Additional significant mineral resources include coal (175 billion tonnes of reserves), gold, rare earth elements (31.5 million tonnes), and uranium.

Agricultural Sector[]

Mongolia maintains one of Asia's largest livestock populations, including 45 million sheep, 27 million goats, and 8 million horses. Modern agricultural development has focused on sustainable pasture management and the introduction of advanced farming technologies in the northern regions.

Industrial Development[]

Mongolia's industrial sector contributes 30% of GDP and encompasses diverse manufacturing activities. Major industries include mineral processing, textile production (particularly cashmere), food processing, and construction materials. The country has also developed significant capabilities in renewable energy production and electronics manufacturing.

Financial Services[]

The Mongolian financial sector operates under a unique regulatory framework that integrates modern banking practices with Buddhist principles. The Bank of Mongolia (Mongol Bank) serves as the central bank, overseeing 17 commercial banks and various specialized financial institutions.

Quality of Life Metrics[]

  • Life expectancy: 76.5 years
  • Literacy rate: 99.7%
  • Access to healthcare: 94% of population
  • Internet penetration: 85%
  • Vehicle ownership: 382 per 1,000 inhabitants