Mongolia’s Western Arctic Gateway & UNESCO Natural Wonder
Uvs (Увс аймаг) is one of Mongolia’s most geographically diverse and environmentally significant provinces.
Located in the far northwest, it borders both Russia (Tuva Republic) and the Mongolian provinces of Bayan-Ölgii, Khovd, and Zavkhan.
The region contains the famous Uvs Lake Basin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared between Mongolia and Russia.
Uvs is known for:
Uvs Lake (largest lake in Mongolia)
Alpine mountains & Arctic tundra
Desert dunes & semi-arid basins
Nomadic Kazakh & Mongolian cultural mix
Extreme climate ranges (coldest winters recorded in Mongolia)
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Uvs has been a historic cultural crossroads between Turkic, Mongol, and ancient nomadic tribes.
Key Historical Timeline:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1931 | Uvs Province officially established |
| Ancient Era | Scythian, Xiongnu & Turkic tribes inhabit the area |
| 1200s | Western Mongol clans settle during Mongol Empire |
| 1990–2025 | UNESCO conservation & tourism expansion |
Uvs remains a living museum of ancient nomadic civilization and natural beauty.
🧭 Basic Province Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Uvs Aimag |
| Mongolian Name | Увс аймаг |
| Capital | Ulaangom |
| Area | ~69,600 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~85,000 |
| Region | Western Mongolia |
| Landscape Type | Alpine, tundra, desert, lakes |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
⚖️ Government & Leadership
| Position | Information |
|---|---|
| Governor of Uvs | Appointed by national government |
| Local Parliament | Citizens’ Representative Khural |
| Capital Administration | Ulaangom City Mayor |
Focus: environmental preservation, border connectivity, tourism, and livestock development.
🗺️ Administrative Structure (All 19 Sums)
Uvs Province has 19 Sums (districts):
| No. | Sum Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ulaangom | Provincial capital |
| 2 | Ömnögovi (Uvs) | Desert & lake border |
| 3 | Ölgii (Uvs) | Mountains & Kazakh population |
| 4 | Baruun-Turuun | Grasslands |
| 5 | Bökhmörön | Uvs Lake western shore |
| 6 | Davst | Salt mines & border with Russia |
| 7 | Malchin | Traditional herding |
| 8 | Naranbulag | Pastureland |
| 9 | Sagil | Alpine rivers |
| 10 | Terelj (Uvs) | Highland areas |
| 11 | Tes | Steppe region |
| 12 | Tarialan | Agricultural belt |
| 13 | Tögöl | Semi-desert & hills |
| 14 | Tsagaankhairkhan | Mountain valleys |
| 15 | Züünkharaa (Uvs) | Nomadic communities |
| 16 | Zuungovi | Desert landscapes |
| 17 | Khanhögör | Rural herding zone |
| 18 | Umnugovi (Uvs) | Dry plains & wildlife |
| 19 | Other remote sums | Small, scattered settlements |
🌐 Geography & Environment
Uvs is one of Mongolia’s most environmentally diverse provinces.
Major Natural Features:
Uvs Lake (largest lake, 3,350 sq km)
Uvs Lake Basin UNESCO World Heritage Site
Kharkhiraa & Turgen Mountains (snow-capped peaks)
Altan Els desert dunes
Arctic tundra patches
Grasslands & steppe valleys
Salt lakes & mineral springs
Climate:
| Season | Description |
|---|---|
| Winter | Extremely cold (down to –50°C) |
| Summer | Warm but short |
| Landscape | Tundra, mountains, deserts, lakes |
Wildlife includes:
Snow leopards
Argali sheep
Wild camels
Ibex
Migratory birds
Rare steppe species
Uvs is a hotspot for environmental research & conservation.
🛡️ Leadership, Governance & Law Enforcement
Key agencies:
Uvs Provincial Police
Border Guard (Russian border)
UNESCO conservation rangers
Mountain & lake environmental units
Emergency Rescue Teams
High priority: nature conservation & climate resilience.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Religion | Buddhism, Shamanism, Islam (Kazakh minority) |
| Ethnic Groups | Khalkha, Dorvod, Bayad, Khoton, Kazakh |
| Languages | Mongolian + minority dialects |
Cultural highlights:
Kazakh eagle-hunting traditions
Ancient Turkic heritage
Winter festivals
Nomadic customs
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Notes |
|---|---|
| Livestock | Sheep, goats, yaks, camels |
| Agriculture | Small-scale crops |
| Tourism | UNESCO sites, mountains, lakes |
| Trade | Border exchange with Tuva (Russia) |
| Salt Mining | Davst Salt Lake |
| Handicrafts | Wool, felt, leatherwork |
Tourism is steadily rising due to global interest in UNESCO ecosystems.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Schools in all sums; college in Ulaangom |
| Special Focus | Ecology & environmental training |
| Healthcare | Uvs Provincial Hospital |
| Challenges | Extreme climate & remote areas |
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport | Ulaangom Airport (domestic flights) |
| Highways | Links to Khovd, Bayan-Ölgii & Russia |
| Rural Transport | Horses, motorcycles, 4×4 |
| Border Crossing | Davst → Russia |
Winter transport often depends on frozen lakes and snow routes.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top attractions:
Uvs Lake & UNESCO basin
Kharkhiraa Mountain
Turgen Mountain
Davst Salt Lake
Altan Els Desert
Tsagaan Shuvuut & snow peaks
Nomadic culture experiences
Uvs is ideal for photographers, trekkers, researchers & eco-tourists.
🌍 Global Role & Relations
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| UNESCO World Heritage | Uvs Lake Basin (shared with Russia) |
| Cross-Border Trade | Russian Tuva Republic |
| Ecological Importance | Rare wildlife & climate studies |
| Tourism Development | Rapid growth in eco-tourism |
📝 Summary
Uvs Province stands as one of Mongolia’s most beautiful and diverse regions — combining desert, tundra, alpine mountains, and the massive Uvs Lake into a breathtaking natural wonder.
Its cultural diversity, UNESCO heritage, and stunning landscapes make Uvs a jewel of Western Mongolia.
📢 News & Articles
“Uvs Lake Basin Conservation 2025”
“Turgen Mountain Tourism Expands”
“Kazakh Cultural Festivals in Western Mongolia”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, providing high-quality regional knowledge for global audiences.