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PRThis map titled “Ethnic Composition of Mongolia – Major Ethnic Groups by Regional Concentration (Based on 2020 National Census Data)” visually represents the geographic distribution of Mongolia’s principal ethnic communities across the country’s provinces (aimags).
The largest and most widespread group shown in green is the Khalkha Mongols, who form the clear majority of Mongolia’s population and dominate central, eastern, and southern regions. Their distribution reflects the historical core of the Mongolian state and the standard dialect on which modern Mongolian is based.
In the far west, especially in Bayan-Ölgii Province near the border with Kazakhstan and Russia, the map highlights the Kazakh minority in yellow. Kazakhs are the largest ethnic minority in Mongolia and maintain a distinct Turkic language and Islamic cultural tradition.
Adjacent western regions display Oirat-related groups such as the Dörvöd (purple), Bayad (orange), and Uriankhai (blue). These groups historically belonged to western Mongol confederations and remain concentrated in Uvs, Khovd, and surrounding provinces. Although culturally Mongolic, they preserve distinct tribal identities and historical traditions.
In the north, particularly near the Russian border, the Buryat population is shown in red. The Buryats are closely related to Mongols but have historical ties to Siberia and the Russian Federation.
Smaller groups, including Oirat subgroups such as Oirat/Zakhchin (pink), appear in limited southwestern areas. Gray areas marked “Others” indicate mixed or smaller ethnic populations.
The inset map in the lower right situates Mongolia within Asia, bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south, providing geographic context.
Overall, the map illustrates that while Mongolia is relatively ethnically homogeneous compared to many countries, it contains meaningful regional diversity, particularly in the western and northern border areas. The visualization emphasizes how ethnic identity in Mongolia is often regionally concentrated rather than evenly dispersed.
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