Heart of Mongolia, Sacred Mountains & Central Administrative Region
Töv Province (Төв аймаг) is the central and most strategically important region of Mongolia, surrounding the national capital Ulaanbaatar (but administratively separate).
It is known for:
Sacred mountains & national parks
Historic monasteries
Nomadic lifestyle & lush river valleys
Central government and military infrastructure
Töv acts as the administrative heartland and the geographical center of Mongolia.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Töv has been central to Mongolian history for centuries.
Key Historical Timeline:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1931 | Töv Province officially established |
| 1600s–1800s | Monasteries & royal sites established |
| 1920s–1990s | Modern administrative expansions |
| 2020–2025 | Urban growth surrounding Ulaanbaatar |
Despite UB being separate, Töv Aimag holds historic and cultural influence.
🧭 Basic Province Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Töv Aimag |
| Mongolian Name | Төв аймаг |
| Capital | Zuunmod |
| Area | ~74,000 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~98,000 |
| Region | Central Mongolia |
| Landscape Type | Mountains, forests, valleys, rivers |
| Time Zone | UTC +8 |
⚖️ Government & Leadership
| Position | Information |
|---|---|
| Governor of Töv | Appointed by national government |
| Local Parliament | Citizens’ Representative Khural |
| Capital Mayor | Zuunmod City Administration |
Focus: environment, tourism, heritage sites, military zones, and central administration.
🗺️ Administrative Structure
🔰 Töv Province is divided into 27 Sums (Districts) —
| No. | Sum Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zuunmod | Provincial capital, cultural center |
| 2 | Altanbulag | Historic trade route |
| 3 | Arkhust | Livestock & pasture lands |
| 4 | Bayan | Steppe & nomadic communities |
| 5 | Bayanjargalan | Semi-desert plains |
| 6 | Bayan-Ovoo | Rural steppe |
| 7 | Bayantsogt | Forested valleys |
| 8 | Bayankhangai | Wheat & crop area |
| 9 | Bornuur | Fertile agricultural zone |
| 10 | Batsumber | Riverside settlements |
| 11 | Battsengel | Historic and rural area |
| 12 | Delgerkhaan | Eastern edge of aimag |
| 13 | Jargalant | Mountain–valley region |
| 14 | Lün | Near UB, high livestock population |
| 15 | Mongonmorit | Forests & rivers |
| 16 | Sergelen | Agricultural belt |
| 17 | Sumber | Remote rural zone |
| 18 | Tseel | Steppe region |
| 19 | Tsogt Tsetsii (Overflow) | Small settlements |
| 20 | Tuvshruulekh | Valley farming |
| 21 | Ugtaal | Traditional livestock |
| 22 | Ulziit | Grassland herding |
| 23 | Erdene | Located near sacred mountains |
| 24 | Erdene Dalai | Remote nomadic land |
| 25 | Jargaltkhaan | Pastoral community |
| 26 | Khustai | Home of Khustai National Park (Przewalski horses) |
| 27 | Khögnö | Sand dunes & rocky hills |
Note: Töv’s sums surround Ulaanbaatar city but UB is not part of the aimag.
🌐 Geography & Environment
Töv Province offers Mongolia’s most balanced natural environment.
Major Natural Features:
Khentii Mountains foothills
Hustai National Park
Tuul River
Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area
Forests, grasslands, and river valleys
Climate:
| Season | Description |
|---|---|
| Summer | Cool, green, forested |
| Winter | Cold & snowy |
| Landscape | Mountains, rivers, forest-steppe |
Wildlife:
Takhi (wild horses)
Deer
Wolves
Lynx
Birds of prey
🛡️ Leadership, Governance & Law Enforcement
Includes:
Töv Provincial Police
National Military Zones (near UB)
Forest Rangers
National Park & Wildlife Rangers
Emergency services
High priority: environmental protection, forest fire control, and heritage preservation.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Tibetan Buddhism |
| Other Traditions | Shamanism, mountain worship |
| Ethnic Groups | Primarily Khalkha Mongol |
| Language | Mongolian |
Cultural highlights:
Manzushir Monastery
Mountain pilgrimages
National festivals & Naadam
Horse herding culture
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Notes |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Dairy, vegetables, cereals |
| Livestock | Horses, cattle, sheep |
| Tourism | Nature parks & monasteries |
| Mining | Small-scale minerals |
| Forestry | Wood & conservation |
| Logistics | Proximity to Ulaanbaatar boosts trade |
Töv is central to Mongolia’s market supply chain.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Schools in all sums; colleges in Zuunmod |
| Specialized Training | Tourism, agriculture, environment |
| Healthcare | Töv Provincial Hospital |
| Challenges | Remote mountainous villages |
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Roads | Major highways connecting to Ulaanbaatar |
| Public Transport | Bus routes around UB |
| Rural Access | 4×4 tracks, mountain passes |
| Tourist Routes | Hustai → Manzushir → Khentii foothills |
Töv is Mongolia’s best-connected province.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top destinations:
Hustai National Park (wild horses)
Manzushir Monastery
Bogd Khan National Park
Tuul River Valley
Khentii Mountain routes
Töv’s scenic steppe and forest hills
Perfect for nature lovers and cultural explorers.
🌍 Global Role & Relations
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Tourism Growth | Foreign ecotourists increasing yearly |
| UNESCO Sites | Bogd Khan Mountain (one of world’s oldest protected areas) |
| Environmental Efforts | Wildlife restoration projects |
| Strategic Position | Surrounds capital city Ulaanbaatar |
📝 Summary
Töv Province is the natural, cultural, and administrative heart of Mongolia.
Surrounding the capital city and home to sacred mountains, forests, and national parks, it reflects Mongolia’s rich traditions and modern development paths.
📢 News & Articles
“Wild Horse Population Rises in Hustai National Park”
“Restoration Projects Near Tuul River”
“Zuunmod Urban Development 2025”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, providing accurate and structured country & regional knowledge.