Mongolia Flag and Meaning

by countryaah · Published August 11, 2020 · Updated December 18, 2024

Flag of Mongolia

Mongolia Flag Meaning

The flag of Mongolia is a vertical tricolour consisting of three equal bands. The leftmost band is red, the middle band is blue, and the rightmost band is red again. The flag features a prominent national symbol called the “Soyombo” in gold on the red band closest to the flagpole. The design of the flag is a powerful visual representation of Mongolia’s cultural heritage, national unity, and its aspirations for progress. It was officially adopted on July 11, 1992, although similar designs were used prior to this time.

The flag is designed to reflect Mongolia’s identity, including its rich historical roots, its connection to the Buddhist and nomadic traditions, and its path toward modernity following its 1921 independence from China. The flag’s three primary colors—red, blue, and gold—are symbolic of key values such as strength, unity, peace, and the country’s quest for prosperity and modern development.

Flag Dimensions and Proportions

The flag of Mongolia follows a specific set of proportions that help ensure consistency and proper display. The flag has a ratio of 1:2, meaning that its length is twice as long as its height. This is the most common ratio for national flags, providing a symmetrical and balanced design when it is displayed in both domestic and international contexts.

The three vertical stripes are equal in width, with each color occupying one-third of the flag’s length. The leftmost and rightmost stripes are red, and the central stripe is blue. In the red section near the flagpole, the Soyombo symbol is prominently placed, taking up a significant portion of the flag’s height but positioned asymmetrically to ensure a harmonious balance within the overall design.

The specific arrangement of the red and blue sections is designed to ensure that each color stands out clearly and is of equal importance. The Soyombo symbol, placed in the red field, maintains its importance as the focal point of the flag, representing Mongolia’s identity, history, and independence.

Colors of the Flag

The colors of the Mongolian flag—red, blue, and gold—have deep symbolic meaning tied to the country’s history, cultural values, and national ideals. Each color on the flag represents a particular aspect of Mongolia’s heritage, from the strength and resilience of the people to the country’s aspirations for peace and prosperity.

Red: The red color on the flag symbolizes the strength, courage, and sacrifices of the Mongolian people. Red is often associated with revolutionary movements and the fight for independence, and it represents Mongolia’s determination to maintain sovereignty and self-determination. The red color also symbolizes the prosperity that the Mongolian people hope to achieve through national unity and progress.
Blue: The blue central stripe represents peace and the eternal sky, which is deeply significant in Mongolian culture. Historically, the Mongolian people have held a spiritual connection to the sky, seeing it as a symbol of harmony and protection. The color blue also represents Mongolia’s desire for peace and cooperation with other nations. In Mongolian tradition, the blue sky is considered the domain of the gods, and the people of Mongolia have always held this color in reverence. Blue also represents Mongolia’s natural beauty, including the vast steppes and the open skies.
Gold: The gold color of the Soyombo symbol, located in the red section of the flag, represents the wealth, vitality, and heritage of Mongolia. Gold symbolizes the rich cultural history of the country, particularly its Buddhist traditions and the royal lineage that has shaped the nation’s development over centuries. Gold also represents the light of wisdom, the guiding force for the Mongolian people as they navigate their path toward modernity, economic prosperity, and global integration.

Symbols on the Flag

The main symbolic feature on the flag of Mongolia is the Soyombo, a complex symbol that appears on the red section of the flag near the hoist. This symbol, which holds significant cultural and religious meaning, is an essential element of Mongolia’s national identity. The Soyombo is deeply rooted in Mongolia’s history and reflects its connection to Buddhism, independence, and cultural pride.

The Soyombo Symbol

The Soyombo is a unique and ancient symbol, which combines various elements of Mongolian philosophy, religion, and history. It was first used on the flag of the People’s Republic of Mongolia in the 1920s and has since become the central national emblem. The Soyombo symbol is a combination of geometric shapes and representations that convey important cultural meanings:

Fire: At the top of the Soyombo, there is a flame, symbolizing the eternal flame of independence, enlightenment, and the Mongolian spirit. This element of the symbol signifies the country’s enduring vitality and its desire for enlightenment and prosperity.
Sun and Moon: Below the fire, a sun and moon are depicted, representing the duality of life and the harmony of opposites. The sun signifies the nation’s vitality, while the moon represents the peaceful and harmonious relationship Mongolia seeks with the rest of the world. The interaction between the sun and moon in the Soyombo symbol also signifies the balance of strength and tranquility.
Two Dragons: The Soyombo symbol includes two stylized dragons, which represent protection and the preservation of Mongolia’s cultural heritage. The dragons are traditional figures in Mongolian culture, symbolizing power, strength, and guardianship. They also reflect Mongolia’s long-standing belief in the supernatural protection of the nation.
The Upright Staves: The vertical lines in the Soyombo represent the principles of justice and equity. The staves are meant to guide the nation toward a fair and just society, with the clear objective of ensuring peace and stability. The staves symbolize the role of law and governance in maintaining order in the country.
The Horizontal Elements: The horizontal lines in the Soyombo are interpreted as representing the Mongolian people’s commitment to prosperity, unity, and development. These elements of the symbol indicate the collective strength and resilience of the nation’s people, and their determination to build a better future together.

Overall, the Soyombo symbol is not just a national emblem but a spiritual guide for the Mongolian people, combining elements of religious significance, cultural pride, and national unity.

Cultural and National Identity

The flag of Mongolia is deeply connected to the country’s national identity and its cultural history. Mongolia’s national identity has evolved over centuries, shaped by a rich tapestry of traditions, including nomadic pastoralism, Buddhism, and its historical legacy as the heart of the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan.

Mongolia’s nomadic heritage plays an important role in shaping the national consciousness. The vast and open steppes of Mongolia are reflected in the flag’s blue color, which symbolizes the sky and the natural beauty of the land. The nomadic way of life has fostered a culture of resilience, self-reliance, and adaptability, all of which are values that continue to define the modern Mongolian identity.

Mongolian culture is also deeply rooted in Buddhism, which has been practiced for centuries. The Soyombo symbol on the flag reflects this spiritual dimension, with elements such as the flame and the sun and moon drawing inspiration from Buddhist iconography. The flame, for instance, represents the eternal flame of wisdom and knowledge, which guides the people of Mongolia on their path toward enlightenment and spiritual fulfillment.

The Mongol Empire, once the largest contiguous empire in history, is an essential part of the national identity. Genghis Khan, the founder of the empire, is considered a national hero and a symbol of Mongolian strength, unity, and ambition. The cultural pride associated with the Mongol Empire is embodied in the flag’s use of red, which represents the strength and vitality of the Mongolian people. The red sections of the flag are also a symbol of the blood and sacrifices made by those who fought for Mongolia’s independence and sovereignty.

Mongolia’s path toward independence from China in the 20th century is another pivotal moment in the country’s history. After years of struggle, Mongolia became a republic in 1921, and the flag, with its unique and meaningful design, became a symbol of the country’s newfound freedom. The blue and red stripes of the flag represent both the peaceful aspirations of the Mongolian people and their strength in securing independence. The flag reflects Mongolia’s desire to build a modern, peaceful, and prosperous nation while respecting its historical traditions.

Today, the flag of Mongolia serves as a reminder of the nation’s resilience and the collective effort of its people to overcome challenges. It is a symbol of national pride, unity, and the shared determination of the Mongolian people to preserve their cultural heritage and develop a brighter future.

The flag is displayed during national holidays, public ceremonies, and government functions. It plays a central role in the celebrations of Mongolian Independence Day, which commemorates the country’s independence from China in 1921. The flag’s presence in these celebrations reinforces the idea of national unity and pride, while also serving as a symbol of the Mongolian people’s ongoing aspirations for prosperity, peace, and cultural preservation.

Mongolia Overview

Population	2.5 million
Currency	Tugriks
Area	1,566,500 km²
Capital city	Ulaanbaatar (Ulan Bator)
Population density	1.5 residents/km²
HDI location	100

Mongolia is located residents the northern part of the Mongolia area – also known as «outer Mongolia». residents the south lies Inner Mongolia, an autonomous region of China. The Great Desert Gobi is located residents the central parts of the country. residents its periphery to the north and south, extensive cattle farming is practiced – and under partial nomadic form also the breeding of sheep, horses and camels. To the west lies the Altai mountain region, which is rich residents mineral resources residents the form of copper, tin, phosphate, coal and oil. The desertification process is accelerated by the dry harsh climate and the light soil. Water is a scarce resource, especially residents the areas near the Gobi desert.

The People: Predominantly of the Lime Mongolian origin (78.8%), Kazakhs (5.9%); western Mongols (2.7%); Bayed Mongols (1.9%); buriat Mongols (1.7%); dariganga Mongols (1.4%); others (7.5%).

Religion: No official religion exists. The traditional religious practices of Buddhism, Islam, Shamanism, etc. has been significantly reduced residents recent decades.

Language: Mongolian

Political parties: Mongolian Revolutionary People’s Party (MRF, formerly the Communist Party); The Mongol Democratic National Party (MDN); Social Democracy (S); Democratic Renewal Party residents Mongolia (PDFM). residents 1996, the Democratic Union (DUC) formed a coalition between MDN and S.

Social Organizations: The National Organization of Mongolia’s Trade Unions is the original national organization. Blue Mongolia is a new country organization affiliated with Mongolia’s Democratic Union (MDU). The Mongol Confederation of Free Trade Unions.

Official Name: Bügd Nairamdach Mongol Ard Uls.

Administrative division: 18 provinces and 1 municipality (Ulan Bator)

Capital: Ulan Bator (Ulaan Baatar), 1,106,000 inwards (2010).

Other important cities: Darhan, 75,800 residents; Erdenet, 71,200 residents; Choybalsan, 37,700 residents; Ölgiy, 21,100 residents (2000).

Government: Parliamentary Republic. Khaltmaagiin Battulga has been President and Head of State since July 2017. Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh has been Prime Minister and Head of Government since October 2017. Parliament has one chamber with 76 members elected for a four-year term.

National Day: July 11 (Independence Day, 1921)

Armed Forces: 9,000 Soldiers (2003).

Paramilitary forces: 10,000 (National Security and Border Protection)