Why is Mongolia so underpopulated?



1.  only nomadic pastoralism.


Landlocked Location: Being landlocked and far from major global markets makes it difficult to develop industries that could attract larger populations.



2. Historical Nomadism


For centuries, Mongolia's population has been predominantly nomadic, relying on herding rather than settled agriculture. This lifestyle inherently supports a lower population density, as people need large tracts of land for grazing animals.


Urbanization only began relatively recently, but the nomadic lifestyle still influences the culture and economy, slowing population concentration.



3. Economic Factors


Limited Economic Development: Mongolia's economy has historically been reliant on livestock and, more recently, mining. The lack of diverse industries limits job opportunities, discouraging population growth or migration into the country.


Infrastructure Challenges: Sparse infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and hospitals, in rural areas makes it harder to support a larger population.



4. Small Historical Population Base


Historically, Mongolia’s population has been small due to its harsh environment. Despite the influence of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century, the population has never been large.


Wars, invasions, and political upheavals, such as Soviet-era purges, also contributed to a relatively small population base.



5. Low Fertility and Migration


Modern migration trends see many young Mongolians leaving for education and jobs abroad, particularly to countries like South Korea, China, and Russia. This limits population growth domestically.


While fertility rates are moderate, they are not high enough to significantly increase population given the challenges of retaining people within the country.



Conclusion


Mongolia’s low population density is primarily a result of its natural environment, historical traditions, and economic realities. Despite efforts to urbanize and develop, the harsh conditions and cultural legacy of nomadism continue to shape the nation.


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