The Centuries-Long Connection Between Mongolia and England

When most people think about Mongolia and England, they imagine two worlds apart, one a land of sweeping grasslands and nomadic traditions, the other an island nation of castles, rain, and tea. But while these countries are geographically distant, their stories have quietly intersected for centuries in surprising and meaningful ways.

From the Mongol Empire to Medieval England

Back in the 13th century, when the Mongol Empire stretched from Korea to Eastern Europe, even faraway England heard stories about the “Tartar horsemen” sweeping across Asia. English monks and chroniclers like Matthew Paris recorded tales of the Mongols with a mix of fear and fascination. Although no English envoys ever made it to the Mongol court, reports from travelers such as John of Plano Carpini and William of Rubruck, who journeyed under papal orders, spread widely across Europe, reaching English scholars.

It wasn’t direct contact, but it marked the first time Mongolia entered England’s imagination as a mysterious and powerful realm beyond the known world.

Mapping the Steppe: British Curiosity in the 19th Century

Fast-forward to the 1800s. As the British Empire expanded across Asia, explorers and geographers became increasingly curious about Mongolia, the vast, little-known land between Siberia and China. During what was called “The Great Game”, the strategic rivalry between Britain and Russia for influence in Central Asia, Mongolia appeared on maps and in travel reports published by the Royal Geographical Society.

Though the British never sought to colonize or control Mongolia, they viewed it as an important crossroads in the geography of empire and a land of adventure and discovery.

Quiet Decades and the First Diplomatic Ties

Mongolia declared independence from China in 1911, but Britain, wary of tensions with Russia and China, didn’t rush to recognize the new nation. For decades, Mongolia remained under strong Soviet influence, and contact with Western countries was limited.

That changed in 1963, when the United Kingdom officially established diplomatic relations with Mongolia. It was a quiet but historic milestone — marking the start of modern cooperation between the two nations.

Education, Culture, and Language: Building Bridges

Since the 1990s, after Mongolia transitioned to democracy, the UK has become one of its most important partners in education and cultural exchange.

The British Council, established in Mongolia in 2000, has played a major role in promoting English language learning and cultural projects. Thousands of Mongolian students have studied in the UK under programs like Chevening Scholarships, returning home with new skills and global perspectives.

British universities such as SOAS (University of London) and UCL also host research on Mongolian history, anthropology, and language, helping the world understand Mongolia’s rich nomadic heritage.

Cultural Exchange: From Throat Singing to Shakespeare

In recent years, cultural exchange between Mongolia and the UK has blossomed.

Mongolian throat singers and folk musicians have performed at festivals in London and Edinburgh.

British artists and filmmakers have collaborated with Mongolian counterparts on documentaries and exhibitions.

Museums such as the British Museum and Pitt Rivers Museum have hosted exhibits about

Mongolian steppe life and Buddhist art.

At the same time, Mongolians continue to embrace English literature, music, and media — from Shakespeare to the BBC. The cross-cultural flow goes both ways.

Today, the relationship between Mongolia and the UK is friendly, dynamic, and forward-looking. The two countries cooperate in areas like:

Education and English language teaching

Mining and sustainable development

Environmental protection —especially regarding Mongolia’s fragile steppe ecosystems

Tourism and cultural diplomacy

Though they lie worlds apart, Mongolia and England share something fundamental: a respect for history, curiosity about the wider world, and a belief in the power of cultural connection. As the 21st century unfolds, their partnership continues to grow, proving that even across continents and centuries, meaningful relationships can thrive.