The first railway line in Mongolia was a narrow gauge (750mm) line connecting the capital, Ulaanbaatar, with the coal mines of Nalaikh, some 33km distant. It opened in 1938.
Today, the more densely populated parts of Mongolia have a network of lines, built to the Russian standard gauge of 1520mm. More remote parts of the country remain unserved by rail.
By far the most important railway line in the country is the international route between Russia and China, passing through Ulaanbaatar. The line carries considerable through passenger and freight traffic, and is popular with tourists.
© 2004-2011
Glyn Williams
Flag image from CIA World Factbook
