Mongolia
Population
3.4M
GDP
$17.2B
Capital
Ulaanbaatar
Government
Unitary semi-presidential re...
At a Glance
Human Development
0.7
HDI (0-1)
Democracy
6.5
EIU (0-10)
Press Freedom
—
RSF score
Corruption
—
TI CPI (0-100)
Innovation
—
GII score
Happiness
—
WHR (0-10)
Mongolia is a landlocked democracy situated between Russia and China, maintaining a careful balancing act between its two giant neighbors. Since its democratic transition in 1990, Mongolia has pursued a 'third neighbor' policy, cultivating relationships with the US, Japan, South Korea, and European states to counterbalance dependence on Russia and China.
Mongolia is an active participant in UN peacekeeping operations, contributing troops disproportionate to its small population. Its mineral wealth -- copper, coal, and rare earths -- gives it economic leverage but also makes it vulnerable to commodity price swings and infrastructure dependence on China.
Mongolia has observer status in the OSCE and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, reflecting its multi-vector foreign policy.
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Ask Atlas anything about MongoliaMUN Delegate Guide
As Mongolia, play the role of an honest broker. Your unique position between Russia and China makes you credible on issues where East-West tensions flare. Emphasize sovereignty, democracy, and multilateralism.
Ally with Japan, South Korea, and Western democracies on governance issues while maintaining cordial ties with Russia and China. Push peacekeeping contributions as evidence of your commitment to the UN system.
Avoid taking hard positions against either Russia or China -- your geographic vulnerability makes neutrality essential.
Foreign Policy
Mongolia's 'third neighbor' policy is the defining feature of its foreign policy -- maintaining sovereignty by diversifying partnerships beyond Russia and China. Mongolia hosts annual multilateral military exercises with the US (Khaan Quest) and has deepened ties with Japan, South Korea, India, and the EU.
Mongolia pursues nuclear-weapon-free zone status and positions itself as a neutral venue for dialogue, including on the Korean Peninsula.