Ulaanbaatar is the capital of Mongolia and its largest city.
The city lies in the Tuul River valley in north-central Mongolia, surrounded by the foothills of the Khentii Mountains. At roughly 1,350 metres above sea level, it is one of the world’s coldest national capitals. Its name means “Red Hero,” a reference to revolutionary political history.
Ulaanbaatar developed from a mobile monastic settlement founded in the 17th century. The settlement changed locations several times before becoming established at its present site in the 18th century. It was known as Urga in Western sources for much of its history.
The capital dominates Mongolia’s political, economic, and cultural life. A large share of Mongolia’s population lives there, and rapid growth has produced traffic, air pollution, and expansion of traditional ger districts around the built-up core.