Mongolia's history spans over 8000 years — from the Xiongnu, through Genghis Khan's Mongol Empire, Yuan Dynasty, Manchu rule, Soviet inclusion, to modern Mongolia.
Ancient Nomads (200 BC - 1162 AD)
Xiongnu Empire 209 BC - 93 AD. Xianbei, Rouran, Turks, Uighurs, Khitan dynastic nomads. Mongol tribes consolidated 9th-12th centuries.
Genghis Khan and Mongol Empire (1206-1368)
Temujin (Genghis Khan, 1162-1227) — united Mongol tribes founding Mongol Empire 1206. World's largest contiguous empire (24 million km²). Genghis's grandson Kublai Khan founded Yuan Dynasty in China.
Manchu Rule (1691-1911)
Manchu Qing Dynasty conquered Outer Mongolia (modern Mongolia) 1691. 220 years under Manchu rule. Manchu nobles exploited enslaved herders.
Independence (1911-1924)
Bogd Khan declared independence from Manchu 1911 — Bogd Khanate of Mongolia. Foreign wars, civil war.
Mongolian People's Republic (1924-1992)
MPRP founded MPR 1924 — world's 2nd socialist state. Under USSR patronage. Repression 1937-1939: 35,000 died, many lamas executed.
Democratic Transition (1990-today)
Peaceful Revolution 1990 — end of socialism. Democratic Constitution 1992. Transitioned to market economy. 3.4 million population. Mining (copper, coal) main export. Ulaanbaatar — capital, 50% of population.