Mongolia Independence Day (December 29): History & Facts

National Freedom and Independence Day is celebrated in Mongolia on December 29. On this day in 1911, after the collapse of the Qing dynasty in China, Mongolia declared its independence and enthroned the Bogd Khan as its head of state.

Key facts
Date	December 29 every year
Year	1911
Leader	The 8th Jebtsundamba Khutuktu, proclaimed Bogd Khan
Capital	Ulaanbaatar (then Ikh Khüree / Urga)
Holiday status	Public holiday since 2007; “National Freedom and Independence Day” since 2011
Mongolia’s biggest festival	Naadam, July 11–13

From Empire to Independence

Year	Event
1206	Genghis Khan unites the Mongol tribes and founds the Mongol Empire
1691	Outer Mongolia comes under Qing rule
December 29, 1911	Independence declared; Bogd Khan enthroned
1921	People’s Revolution (now celebrated with Naadam on July 11)
1924	Mongolian People’s Republic proclaimed
1990	Peaceful democratic revolution
1992	New democratic constitution

Mongolia in Brief

• One of the world’s most sparsely populated countries, with vast steppes, the Gobi Desert and the Altai Mountains.
• About a quarter of people still live a nomadic or semi-nomadic herding life in round felt tents called gers.
• Famous for horse culture, eagle hunting, throat singing (khöömei) and the long song (urtiin duu), both on UNESCO’s intangible heritage lists.

How the Day Is Celebrated

• Official ceremonies at Sükhbaatar Square (Chinggis Square) in Ulaanbaatar.
• Flags with the Soyombo symbol on homes and public buildings.
• Family gatherings during the winter holiday season with dishes like buuz (steamed dumplings) and khuushuur.

👉 Also December 29: All December holidays

Mongolia at a Glance

Fact	Detail
Population	About 3.5 million
Capital	Ulaanbaatar, the coldest national capital in the world
Area	About 1.56 million km²
Livestock	Tens of millions of horses, sheep, goats, cattle and camels
Script	Cyrillic in daily use; the traditional Mongolian script is being revived

Mongolia’s Key Holidays

Holiday	Date
Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year)	January/February (lunar)
Naadam Festival	July 11–15
Chinggis Khaan’s Birthday	First day of the first winter month (lunar), around November
Independence Day	December 29

Traditional Mongolian Winter Foods

• Buuz — steamed meat dumplings, especially at Tsagaan Sar.
• Khuushuur — fried meat pastries.
• Tsuivan — stir-fried noodles with meat and vegetables.
• Suutei tsai — salty milk tea.

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