Outer Mongolia

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Outer Mongolia (}; }) is an informal term referring to Mongolia (a sovereign state). It may also include Tannu Uriankhai, the majority of which is the modern-day Tuva Republic, part of the Russian Federation. The term is opposed to Inner Mongolia (内蒙古; Nèi Měnggǔ), an autonomous region of the People's Republic of China.

The name 'Outer Mongolia' is felt by many to reflect a Sinocentric perspective that takes the northern part of Mongolia as "outer", while the southern portion, closer to the Chinese capital, is regarded as "inner". The Chinese "inner" portion currently contains 90% of the population of overall "Mongolia" (but only 43% of the land area). The Republic of China (Taiwan) has not constitutionally renounced sovereignty over Outer Mongolia, although Article 3 of the [[s:Enforcement Rules for the Act Governing Relations between Peoples of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area|Enforcement Rules for the Act Governing Relations between Peoples of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area]], effective from 30 January 2002, has been amended to exclude Outer Mongolia from the Mainland Area (defined as areas under control of the Chinese Communists after the amendement) to treat it as de facto foreign territory.

Outer Mongolia was a political division of the Qing Empire. It consisted of the following four provinces (ayimagh).

Chechen Khan Province (Chechen Khan Ayimagh, Tsetsen Han Aymag)
Töshiyetü Khan Province (Töshiyetü Khan Ayimagh, Tusheet Han Aymag)
Sayin Noyan Province (Sayin Noyan Ayimagh, Sayn Noyon Aymag)
Jasaghtu Khan Province (Jasaghtu Khan Ayimagh, Zasagt Han Aymag)

(ordered from east to west)

Javzandamba Khutagt was the spiritual leader of Outer Mongolia.

The term "Outer Mongolia" is sometimes used in western slang to denote a stereotypically remote place.

Outer Mongolia

See also