Religion and Ethnic groups in Mongolia

Religion and Ethnic groups in Mongolia

  Religion & Spiritual Traditions in Mongolia

Mongolia’s spiritual landscape is a rich blend of Tengerism, Buddhism, Shamanism, Islam, and Christianity. These belief systems continue to shape Mongolian identity, customs, festivals, and daily life.

  Tengerism — The Ancient Sky Worship

For thousands of years, the dominant belief of the Mongols was Tengerism, centered on Tengri, the Eternal Blue Sky.
This ancient faith teaches harmony with nature, respect for spirits, and the sacred connection between humans, animals, and the land.

Key Elements of Tengerism

• Worship of Tengri (Sky God) and many sky spirits
• Nature spirits called savdag, who “guard” mountains, rivers, and forests
• Personal guardian spirits (suns) for humans and animals
• Ritual practices led by shamans (boo for men, udgan for women)

Even today, many Mongolians honor Tengerism through practices like ovoo worship, offering silk scarves and prayers at sacred stone cairns on mountain passes.

  Buddhism in Mongolia

Tibetan Buddhism became Mongolia’s major religion in the 16th–17th centuries and remains a central part of the nation’s cultural identity.

Highlights

• First introduced during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368)
• Influenced Mongolian art, sculpture, temples, and rituals
• Nearly destroyed during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s
• Revived after 1990 with more than 200 temples active today

Most Khalkha Mongols practice Buddhism, blending monastic teachings with ancient shamanistic traditions.

  Tsam — Mongolian Buddhist Mask Dance

Tsam is one of Mongolia’s most unique religious ceremonies.
This sacred masked dance:

• Is performed by lamas
• Features elaborate, colorful masks
• Combines music, ritual movement, and storytelling
• Represents deities such as the White Old Man, Jamsran, Namsrai, and Damdinchoijoo

Banned in 1937, Tsam was revived in 1999 and can now be seen in major monasteries and festivals.

  Shamanism — Mongolia’s Oldest Spiritual Practice

Shamanism is deeply rooted in Mongolian history and remains strong in many regions.

Key Beliefs

• The universe is filled with living spirits
• Shamans communicate with these spirits for healing, guidance, and protection
• Each mountain, river, or forest has its own guardian spirit
• Shaman clothing and drums symbolize their power and connection to the spirit world

Shamanism coexists alongside Buddhism and has experienced a strong revival since the 1990s.

  Ethnic Diversity of Mongolia

Mongolia is home to 3.3 million people, with around 20 ethnic groups.
Khalkha Mongols make up 80% of the population, but each ethnic group contributes unique traditions, clothing, dialects, and lifestyles.

Major Ethnic Groups

• Khalkha
• Kazakh
• Buryat
• Durvud
• Bayad
• Zakhchin
• Darkhad
• Uriankhai
• Torguud
• Khoton, Myangad, Barga, Uzemchin, Tsaatan, and more 

 Tsaatan (Dukha) — The Reindeer Herders

In the remote northern taiga of Khuvsgul live the Tsaatan, one of the world’s last nomadic reindeer-herding communities.

Their Way of Life

• Live in birch-bark yurts resembling tipis
• Move camps seasonally for reindeer grazing
• Use reindeer for milk, transportation, and clothing
• Practice ancient forms of shamanism
• Wear warm deels and boots made from reindeer hide

The Tsaatan lifestyle is one of Mongolia’s most unique cultural treasures.

  Kazakh People — Culture of the Eagle Hunters

The Kazakh minority in western Mongolia (Bayan-Ölgii) follows Islam and maintains rich traditions distinct from other Mongolian ethnic groups.

Cultural Features

• Speak the Kazakh language
• Famous for eagle hunting, a centuries-old tradition
• Known for music played on the dombra
• Cuisine based on horse meat, mutton, and traditional sausages like shuzhuk
• Celebrated for vibrant clothing and skilled craftsmanship

Kazakh Muslims represent about 4% of Mongolia’s population and form the country’s second largest ethnic group.

  Christianity in Mongolia

Christianity has existed in Mongolia since the 7th century, though it has always been a minority religion.

• Some tribes during the Mongol Empire were Christian
• Munkh Khan’s court had significant Christian influence
• Modern Christianity expanded after 1990
• Today, Mongolia hosts various Christian churches and communities

  A Land of Spiritual Harmony

Throughout history, the Mongols have embraced freedom of religion, allowing Buddhism, Shamanism, Islam, Christianity, and ancient sky worship to coexist peacefully.

This spiritual openness is a defining characteristic of Mongolian culture—and one of the reasons the country remains such a fascinating destination for travelers.