Urbanization and population redistribution in Mongolia

In the 1920s, Mongolia had a predominantly rural population with only a few small urban agglomerations. By 1990, however, 56 urban locations were housing almost 60% of the country"s population. This report identifies the major determinants of this movement towards rapid urbanization and significant population redistribution in Mongolia. First, in an attempt to decentralize industrialization, the government adopted a strategy frequently followed in centrally planned economies -- the creation of industrial complexes. As a result, industries emerged in existing urban centers, especially Ulaanbaatar, and at new sites. Second, collectivization resulted in only marginal increases in rural production, not enough to absorb the growing rural population, which instead formed a reservoir of labor for the expanding urban economy, especially in provincial centers. Third, administrative control of population movement, directed initially at settling the pastoralist population, was later used to channel rural out-migration to urban areas where labor was needed. Fertility, especially that of in-migrants, was another factor contributing to urban growth. Since the 1980s, governmental and economic transformation has seriously slowed economic growth, led to privatization of agricultural activities, and eliminated administrative restrictions on movement. On the basis of these developments, rural-urban migration is likely to increase, and the urban population will continue to grow through both heavy in-migration and high fertility rates -- developments which can be expected to place considerable strains on Mongolia"s natural resources and infrastructure. Includes references. (Author abstract, modified)