So, what we today refer to as the Mongols is actually a larger set of an ethnic group which is made up of a subset of 20 different ethnic groups within it. Additionally, the descendants of the Bodonchar are said to have 19 tribes and those of Darligin are said to have 18.
What are the major tribes of the Mongol people?
- Olkhonud, the clan of Temüjin 's mother (D); Mongolian: Olkhunuud
- Khongirad, the tribe Börte, Temüjin 's first wife, descends from (D)
- some clans whose members join Temüjin after the first victory over the Merkit and the separation from Jamukha: Jalair ' Tarkhut Bishi'ut; Mongolian: Bishiüd Bayads Khinggiadai (D), Khinggit, subclan of ...
Who united the Mongol tribes?
Their famed leader Genghis Khan, rose from poverty and united the Mongol tribes under him. He was a strong political and military leader who made advancements in the Mongol government and made many significant improvements to the administration system.
What are 10 facts about Mongolia?
10 weird and wonderful facts about Mongolia
- The endangered two-humped Bactrian camel is native to Mongolia. The two-humped Bactrian camel is indigenous to Mongolia. ...
- Mongolians are always ready for a guest. In a country of vast distances, communication can be difficult but it is important to maintain a sense of community.
- Ice-cream is a favourite winter treat. ...
What ethnicity is Mongolia?
Mongolia Demographics. Nearly 95% of the population is comprised of ethnic Mongols, consisting of the Khalkha and other groups distinguished by dialects of the language. The Khalkha people make up 86% of the ethnic Mongols in the country, and the remaining 14% is comprised of Oirats, Buryats and a few others.

How many tribes are there in Mongolia?
There are over 20 different groups of Mongols.
Does Mongolia have tribes?
Traditional Mongol society was based on the family, the clan, and the tribe, with clan names derived from those of common male ancestors. As clans merged, the tribal name was taken from that of the strongest clan.
What are Mongolian tribes called?
Broadly defined, the term includes the Mongols proper (also known as the Khalkha Mongols), Buryats, Oirats, the Kalmyk people and the Southern Mongols.
Who are the natives of Mongolia?
In addition to Kazakhs there are some other small groups of Turkic-speaking minorities and indigenous peoples in the western and northern parts of Mongolia: Uyghurs, Uzbeks, Tuvans (or Tuvinians), Urianhais and Hotons.
Was Genghis Khan a Chinese?
Genghis Khan himself was technically not ethnic Han, but he and mainly his successors saw themselves as legitimate Chinese emperors by establishing the Yuan Dynasty. He was also on official record as the founder or Taizu 太祖 of Yuan.
Are Turks Mongols?
History. The Mongols and Turks have developed a strong relationship. Both peoples were commonly nomadic peoples despite ethnic differences, and the cultural sprachbund evolved into a mixture of alliance and conflicts. The Xiongnu people were thought to be the ancestors of modern Mongols and Turks.
Are Mongols Chinese?
Mongols are considered one of China's 56 ethnic groups, encompassing several subgroups of Mongol people, such as the Dzungar and the Buryat. With a Mongol population of over seven million, China is home to twice as many Mongols as Mongolia itself.
Who defeated Mongols?
Alauddin sent an army commanded by his brother Ulugh Khan and the general Zafar Khan, and this army comprehensively defeated the Mongols, with the capture of 20,000 prisoners, who were put to death.
Are Russian Mongols?
All Rus' principalities were forced to submit to Mongol rule and became vassals of the Golden Horde, some of which lasted until 1480....Mongol invasion of Kievan Rus'Date1237–1242LocationKievan Rus' (now parts of modern-day Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus)ResultMongol victory1 more row
What are Mongolians mixed with?
In an identity-by-descent analysis, the researchers found that Mongolians share a high portion of IBD segments with Finns. In an overall analysis, they found that Mongolians have about 10 percent European ancestry, while Europeans have about 12 percent Mongolian ancestry.
How do Mongols look like?
Most of the Mongolians in Hulunbuir league are characterised by straight hair, forehead hair-ledge point absence, eyefold eyelid, Mongoloid fold appearance, shovel-shaped front teeth, straight nose, wide nostril, free ear lobe, non-projecting chin.
What do Mongols call themselves?
0:2318:09Did the Mongols call themselves Tatar? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd Europeans as the name of the Mongols. After the fall of the Golden Horde the descendants of theMoreAnd Europeans as the name of the Mongols. After the fall of the Golden Horde the descendants of the Mongols mixed with local Turkic populations adopted the name it still today called themselves Tatars
What was the new ethnic identity of the Mongols?
The unification created a new common ethnic identity as Mongols. Descendants of those clans form the Mongolian nation and other Inner Asian people . Almost all of tribes and clans mentioned in the Secret History of the Mongols and some tribes mentioned in the Tarikh-i-Rashidi .
How many tribes were there in the Nirun?
There were 19 Nirun tribes (marked (N) in the list) that descended from Bodonchar and 18 Darligin tribes (marked (D) in the list), which were also core Mongolic tribes but not descending from Bodonchar.
What tribe is Olkhonud from?
Olkhonud, the clan of Temüjin 's mother (D); Mongolian: Olkhunuud. Khongirad, the tribe Börte, Temüjin 's first wife, descends from (D) some clans whose members join Temüjin after the first victory over the Merkit and the separation from Jamukha: Jalair '. Tarkhut. Bishi'ut; Mongolian: Bishiüd.
How many different groups of Mongols are there?
There are actually quite a few. There are over 20 different groups of Mongols.
Where are the Northern Mongolians?
They primarily inhabit the forested lowland regions along the Russia-Mongolia border. The territory that once belonged to the Northern Mongolian's ancestors includes the regions along Lake Baikal, which is located in present-day Siberia.
What is the main language of Mongolia?
The Khalkha Mongol language, Halh, is the main Mongolian language, since all other Mongols speak variations or dialects of Halh. Halh is understood throughout Mongolia and by Mongols living in Central Asia.
What are the similarities between Mongolians and Khalkha Mongols?
The Northern Mongolians are very similar to the Khalkha Mongols, particularly in their physical features, dialects, and customs. In fact, they are often indistinguishable from neighboring Mongol tribes. However, they maintain a number of small differences, the most significant of which is their language.
Where are the Dariganga from?
The Dariganga, a small people group of Mongolian origin, inhabit the southeastern regions of Mongolia. They are primarily located in the southern part of the Sühbaatar province, on a volcanic plateau near the Gobi Desert. The Dariganga belong to the eastern group of Mongols, which includes the Khalkha Mongols, the Buryat, and most of the Chinese Mongols.
What religion did the early residents of Mongolian region practice?
Zakhchin. The religion of the early residents of the Mongolian region recognized only one uniform godly power, localized in the celestial vault. They also worshiped certain natural phenomenon, and believed in a life after death in the form of spirits (demons).
What is the Kazakh of Mongolia?
The Kazakh of Mongolia belong to a larger group of people who live primarily in Kazakstan. Ethnically, they are of Turkic descent, and are the second largest Muslim group of Central Asia.#N#The Kazakh developed a distinct ethnic identity in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. In the nineteenth century, the Russians acquired Central Asia through a steady process of annexation.
What clan controlled Mongolia?
The Oirat are a clan that controlled much of central and northern Mongolia and shared the same culture and language as the North Eastern Khamag Mongols and were at times controlled by the same leader sometimes being of Oirad descent and sometimes Khamag descent. However, upon the gradual collapse of the Mongolian empire the Oirat began to identify itself separately to that of the Khamag Mongols as they started to vie for overall control over Mongolia. Their ambition led them to creating the ‘four oirat’ an alliance of nearby clans wanting to overthrow the descendants of Genghis Khan.
What was the name of the Mongol tribe that was ruled by Tatars?
The Khamags were one of the big eight tribes of Mongolia. They controlled the area of North Eastern Mongolia during the 12 th Century and underwent periods of strength as well as disintegration; most notably when chief of the Khamags , Yesugei was poisoned by Tatar Mongols. However, this act led to the rise of one of the most powerful men in world history ‘Temujin’. Temujin, son of Yesugei tried to claim himself as chief after his father’s death but was discarded by his clan and with his siblings and mother were left to fend for themselves. This period of time was probably the most important, Temujin is famed for having a wise mother and for killing his brother Begten. Later he would rise to control the Khamags and through a series of alliances and wars unite the Mongol tribes under one banner and thus be crowned Chinghis Khaan.
What clans were the Merkits?
The Merkits were during the 12 th century one of the largest clans of the Mongol plains. Their decline however began when they kidnapped the wife of the young Temujin. Temujin, aided by his close friend eventually free Borte who shortly after her release gives birth to a boy named Jochi. Chinghis accepted paternity over the boy, however, the question of his true paternity followed him throughout his life. Temujin, would go on to destroy the Merkits and anyone harboring them as the clan disintegrated into history.
How many Buryat tribes were there?
According to the Buryat creation myth, there were eleven Buryat tribes that were all descendants of a man and a mysterious but beautiful creature that turns into a swan during day and a woman during the night. After the two married, the man asked her to give him her wings so that she would not turn into a swan anymore.
Where do Buryats live?
Buryat -. The Buryats are a people of Northern Mongolia, their homeland centered around the forests of lake Baikal. The Buryats share the same nomadic practices as their clan cousins but have a separate identifiable language. Today the vast majority of Buryat people live in Modern day Russia in the Republic of Buryatia, bordering Mongolia.
What is the name of the land that the Mongols occupied?
Clans of Mongolia. Mongolia is a vast land ranging from the dunes of the Gobi to the forests of the Siberian Taiga, from the peaks of the Altai mountains to the grassland flats. In history this land was occupied by many different competing tribes. These tribes were then united under Genghis Khan to become the ‘mongols’.
Where do Uriankhai live?
The Uriankhai are known as being a forest people who originally resided in central Mongolia and have since been displaced to different areas of Mongolia over time. Modern day Uriankhai practice customs similar to that of Khalkha Mongols, however they were previously known for their isolation, living in birch bark tents and hunting on ski’s in the Taiga forests. The most notable Uriankhai person is Subutei. Subutei was a general and military strategist of the Mongol Empire who conquered 32 nations and won 65 pitched battles as well as famously destroying the armies of Hungary and Poland within two days of each other, by forces over 500 kilometers apart.
What is the dominant ethnic group in Mongolia?
Mongolia is home to a wide range of Mongol peoples, but one group does have clear numerical superiority. The Khalkh, also spelled Khalkha or Halh, are the dominant ethnic group of Mongolia at roughly 82% of the total population.
What is the largest ethnic minority in Mongolia?
To this day, Mongolia's largest ethnic minority are the Kazakhs, although this population has been quickly declining as many started moving back to Kazakhstan since the dissolution of the USSR. But, for now there are still many Kazakhs in Mongolia, a place of more ethnic diversity than you may think. Lesson Summary.
Why did the Kazaks come to Mongolia?
The Kazaks are a Turkic/Central Asian people who entered Mongolia to escape ethnic persecution from Russia. There are still many Kazakh people in Mongolia, however many have started returning to their homeland of Kazakhstan since the end of the Cold War. So, that's Mongolia and now you've really heard it all.
What is the Kazakh population?
The Kazakh people, who make up around 4% of the total population, are a Central Asian and Turkic people. If that name looks familiar to you, it's because the majority of Kazakh people actually live in their own nation, called Kazakhstan.
Is Mongolia a semi-nomadic country?
Traditional Mongol semi-nomadic pastoralism is still practiced by many people in Mongolia. Between the 19 Mongol ethnic groups, Mongolia has a fair amount of diversity. Generally, however, this has not led to major problems.
When did Mongolia become a dominant ethnic group?
Though various groups have historically been present in what is now Mongolia, the ancestors of today’s ethnic Mongolians became predominant – and would remain so – from about the 10th century.
What are the minorities in Mongolia?
In addition to Kazakhs there are some other small groups of Turkic-speaking minorities and indigenous peoples in the western and northern parts of Mongolia: Uyghurs, Uzbeks, Tuvans (or Tuvinians), Urianhais and Hotons. Very small minority and indigenous communities have garnered some international attention in recent years.
Why do Kazakhs send textbooks to Mongolia?
As Kazakhs are particularly affected by limited learning opportunities, the Ministry of Education and Science of Kazakhstan sends textbooks and educational and teaching materials to Mongolia in order to allow Kazakh children to learn about Kazakh history, culture and language.
What is Mongolia's environment?
Environment. The world’s largest landlocked country, wedged between China and Russia in central-east Asia, Mongolia is mainly comprised of arid steppes in its heartland and the Gobi Desert in the south.
What language do indigenous people speak in Mongolia?
Another indigenous people is the Evenk, who speak a Tungusic language. There are also clusters of Russian and Chinese residents living mainly in cities. Owing in significant part to economic liberalization and globalization, a key issue faced by indigenous peoples and minorities in Mongolia is the extractive industry.
When did Mongolia become a communist country?
The world’s second communist country when it gained independence in 1921, with the assistance and under the protection of the Soviet Union, Mongolia’s ethnic makeup did not change dramatically for decades.
Is Mongolia a market economy?
Mongolia’s relatively recent transition to a market economy, as well as limited livelihood opportunities in the countryside, has also driven rapid urban growth in the country’s capital, Ulaanbaatar – a process that has unfortunately outpaced the development of public services and infrastructure.
What is the largest ethnic group in Mongolia?
In modern-day Mongolia, Mongols make up approximately 95% of the population, with the largest ethnic group being Khalkha Mongols, followed by Buryats, both belonging to the Eastern Mongolic peoples. They are followed by Oirats, who belong to the Western Mongolic peoples.
When did the Mongols become a tribe?
It resurfaced in the late 11th century during the Khitan -ruled Liao dynasty. After the fall of the Liao in 1125, the Khamag Mongols became a leading tribe on the Mongolian Plateau.
What dynasty did the Mongols rule?
After the fall of the Yuan dynasty in 1368, the Mongols continued to rule the Northern Yuan dynasty in northern China and the Mongolian steppe. However, the Oirads began to challenge the Eastern Mongolic peoples under the Borjigin monarchs in the late 14th century and Mongolia was divided into two parts: Western Mongolia ( Oirats) and Eastern Mongolia ( Khalkha, Inner Mongols, Barga, Buryats ). The earliest written references to the plough in Middle Mongolian language sources appear towards the end of the 14th c.
What are the two parts of Mongolia?
However, the Oirads began to challenge the Eastern Mongolic peoples under the Borjigin monarchs in the late 14th century and Mongolia was divided into two parts: Western Mongolia ( Oirats) and Eastern Mongolia ( Khalkha, Inner Mongols, Barga, Buryats ).
What is the royal family of Mongolia?
All the Great Khans of the Mongol Empire, including its founder Genghis Khan, were of the Borjigin clan. The royal family of Mongolia was called the Altan Urag (Golden Linea ge) and is synonymous with Genghisid. After the fall of the Northern Yuan Dynasty in 1635 the Dayan Khanid aristocracy continued the Genghisid legacy in Mongolia until 1937 when most were killed during the Stalinist purges. The four hereditary Khans of the Khalkha ( Tüsheet Khan, Setsen Khan, Zasagt Khan and Sain Noyan Khan) were all descended from Dayan Khan (1464-1543) through Abtai Sain Khan, Sholoi Khan, Laikhur Khan and Tumenkhen Sain Noyan respectively. Dayan Khan was himself raised to power by Queen Mandukhai the Wise (c.1449-1510) during the crisis of the late 15th century when the line of Kublai Khan, the grandson of Genghis Khan, was on the verge of dying out.
What are the Mongolic people?
In various times Mongolic peoples have been equated with the Scythians, the Magog, and the Tungusic peoples. Based on Chinese historical texts the ancestry of the Mongolic peoples can be traced back to the Donghu, a nomadic confederation occupying eastern Mongolia and Manchuria. The identity of the Xiongnu (Hünnü) is still debated today. Although some scholars maintain that they were proto-Mongols, they were more likely a multi-ethnic group of Mongolic and Turkic tribes. It has been suggested that the language of the Huns was related to the Hünnü.
What regions did Mongolia control?
With the independence of Outer Mongolia, the Mongolian army controlled Khalkha and Khovd regions (modern day Uvs, Khovd, and Bayan-Ölgii provinces ), but Northern Xinjiang (the Altai and Ili regions of the Qing Empire), Upper Mongolia, Barga and Inner Mongolia came under control of the newly formed Republic of China. On February 2, 1913 the Bogd Khanate of Mongolia sent Mongolian cavalries to "liberate" Inner Mongolia from China. Russia refused to sell weapons to the Bogd Khanate, and the Russian czar, Nicholas II, referred to it as "Mongolian imperialism ". Additionally, the United Kingdom urged Russia to abolish Mongolian independence as it was concerned that "if Mongolians gain independence, then Central Asians will revolt". 10,000 Khalkha and Inner Mongolian cavalries (about 3,500 Inner Mongols) defeated 70,000 Chinese soldiers and controlled almost all of Inner Mongolia; however, the Mongolian army retreated due to lack of weapons in 1914. 400 Mongol soldiers and 3,795 Chinese soldiers died in this war. The Khalkhas, Khovd Oirats, Buryats, Dzungarian Oirats, Upper Mongols, Barga Mongols, most Inner Mongolian and some Tuvan leaders sent statements to support Bogd Khan's call of Mongolian reunification. In reality however, most of them were too prudent or irresolute to attempt joining the Bogd Khan regime. Russia encouraged Mongolia to become an autonomous region of China in 1914. Mongolia lost Barga, Dzungaria, Tuva, Upper Mongolia and Inner Mongolia in the 1915 Treaty of Kyakhta .
When was Mongolia first mentioned?
The first mention in the Chinese chronicles of peoples who can be identified with Mongolia dates to the historically shadowy times of the Shang dynasty in the 2nd millennium bce.
How do Mongols recognize their kinship?
All Mongols recognize their kinship to each other in varying degrees through legend, written history, and especially language. Dialects vary from east to west more than from north to south, but few are unintelligible to other Mongols. The Khalkh (Khalkha) dialect of Mongolian dates from about the 17th century; ;
Where did the southern tribes settle?
Some of the southern tribes surrendered to the Chinese and were settled within China, where they were eventually absorbed. Some of the northern tribes migrated westward, where descendants—together with the members of other tribes—appeared in Europe in the 5th century ce as the Huns of Attila.
Who were the Orkhon Turks?
The Orkhon Turks were contemporaries of the Tang dynasty (618–907) in China, and their fortunes rose and fell in counterpoint to periods of Tang strength and weakness. Agriculture became an element in the economy, and the Uighurs, who came to power after the fall of the Orkhon Turks, entered history as an oasis-centred people.
Did the Mongols have nomads?
The Mongols have always been nomads; however, nomadism is the seasonal movement of livestock and camps from one pasture to another, not unfettered wandering. Legend and folklore show that among the premodern Mongols the common people considered livestock to be private property and land to be collective property.
What are the three mountain ranges in Mongolia?
As marked on the map, these are the Khentii Mountains, Khangai Mountains, and the Altay Mountains.
Which two countries border Mongolia?
Mongolia is bordered by two nations: China in the south and Russia in the north. Although Mongolia does not share a border with Kazakhstan, the countries are only 37 km apart. Mongolia Bordering Countries : Russia, China. Regional Maps: Map of Asia.
What is the highest point in Mongolia?
The highest point of Mongolia (marked on the map by a yellow upright triangle), Nayramadlin Orgil at 14,350 ft. (4,374 m), is found in the rugged Atlay Mountains of the west. Overall the country has an average elevation near 5,183 ft., (1,580 m); Hoh Nuur at 1,699 ft. (518 m) is the lowest point in the country.
What is the capital of Mongolia?
Located in north-central part of the country, Ulaanbaatar is the capital and largest city of Mongolia. It is also the country’s cultural, administrative and economic center and the most populous city.
Which country has the most sparsely populated population?
With an area of 1,566,000 sq. km, Mongolia is the 18 th largest country in the world. With a population of about 3 million inhabitants, Mongolia is the world’s most sparsely populated country and has one of the lowest average population densities among any country in the world.

Overview
Ongud
The Ongud (also spelled Ongut or Öngüt; Mongolian: Онгуд, Онход; Chinese: 汪古, Wanggu; from Old Turkic öng "desolate, uninhabited; desert" plus güt "class marker" ) were a Turkic tribe that later became Mongolized active in what is now Inner Mongolia in northern China around the time of Genghis Khan (1162–1227).
Many Ongud were members of the Church of the East, They lived in an area lining the Great Wall …
Khamag Mongol confederation included Genghis Khan's ethnicity of Mongol.
• Khori Tümed
• Khorilar
• Dorben (N)
• Uriankhat
• Ma'alikh baya'ut (D)
Keraites
A Turco-Mongol Christian (Nestorian) nation. Prominent Christian figures were Tooril and Sorghaghtani Beki.
• Tumen Tubegun; Mongolian: Tümen Tübegün
• Dungkhait; Mongolian:Dongoid
• Ubchikh
Tatar confederation
• Airi'ut, mentioned in connection with Ambakhai's death
• Buiri'ut, mentioned in connection with Ambakhai's death
• Juyin other Tatars, or maybe a military organization, mentioned in connection with Ambakhai's death
Merkit confederation
The Merkits were a Mongol tribe or potentially a Mongolised Turkic people who opposed the rise of Temüjin, and kidnapped his new wife Börte. They were defeated and absorbed into the Mongol nation early in the 13th century.
• Uduyid; Mongolian:Uduid Mergid
• Uvas, Uvas Mergid
Naimans
In The Secret History of the Mongols, the Naiman subtribe the "Güchügüd" are mentioned. According to Russian Turkologist Nikolai Aristov's view, the Naiman Khanate's western border reached the Irtysh River and its eastern border reached the Mongolian Tamir River. The Altai Mountains and southern Altai Republic were part of the Naiman Khanate. They had diplomatic relations with the Kara-Khitans, and were subservient to them until 1175. In the Russian and Sovi…
Dughlat
Mentioned in the Jami' al-tawarikh.
Mongolian Ethnic - Unique Type of Nation
Khalkh
- The Khalkh are the largest group of Mongols in Mongolia. In fact, they are the core of all the Mongol peoples across North Asia. The Khalkha Mongols are considered the direct descendants of Chinggis Khan and therefore, the true preservers of Mongol culture. Khalkh Mongol Costume In the thirteenth century, Chinggis Khan formed one of the greatest empires in world history by unit…
Kazakh
- The Kazakh of Mongolia belong to a larger group of people who live primarily in Kazakstan. Ethnically, they are of Turkic descent, and are the second largest Muslim group of Central Asia. The Kazakh developed a distinct ethnic identity in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. In the nineteenth century, the Russians acquired Central Asia through a steady process of annex…
Dorvod
- The Durbet are a Western Mongol tribe. They are primarily located in the western part of Mongolia, near the border of Russia. In the early 1600's, most of their ancestors (the Oirat) left their homeland, Dzhungaria, which is now part of the Xinjiang region of China, in hopes of settling in the rich pastures of the northern Caucasus Mountains. In 1771, the majority of the Oirat decided to …
Bayad
- The Bayad people are one of the Mongol tribes, residing in western Mongolia. In the 13th century the term "Mongol" grew into an umbrella term for a large group of tribes united under the rule of Chinggis Khan. Ethnic distinctions among the Mongol subgroups are relatively minor. Tribal differences are usually not a political or social issue as the Mongols are a generally peaceful nat…
Buriat
- The Northern Mongolians, also known as the Buryat, are believed to be the descendants of the western Mongols and the northern Siberians. They primarily inhabit the forested lowland regions along the Russia-Mongolia border. The territory that once belonged to the Northern Mongolian's ancestors includes the regions along Lake Baikal, which is located in present-day Siberia. Buriat …
Dariganga
- The Dariganga, a small people group of Mongolian origin, inhabit the southeastern regions of Mongolia. They are primarily located in the southern part of the Sühbaatar province, on a volcanic plateau near the Gobi Desert. The Dariganga belong to the eastern group of Mongols, which includes the Khalkha Mongols, the Buryat, and most of the Chinese Mongols. The Dariganga lan…
Zakhchin
- The religion of the early residents of the Mongolian region recognized only one uniform godly power, localized in the celestial vault. They also worshiped certain natural phenomenon, and believed in a life after death in the form of spirits (demons). The artwork of the people, their great poetic talents, their epic works and the lyric poetry are outstanding. Singers and poets used to w…
Uriankhai
- Uriankhai Costume The Tuvinian in Mongoloia inhabit a harsh mountainous region in the northern part of the country, near the border of Russia. There, the summers are hot and dry, while the winters are bitterly cold. Still, this region can have as many as 300 sunny days a year, and the extremely dry air helps people to withstand the cold winters and the hot summers. Because the …