Улаанбатор, the capital city of Mongolia, is located in the north-central part of the country. It serves as the political, cultural, and economic center of Mongolia, with a population of over 1.4 million people. The city is situated at an elevation of about 1,350 meters (4,430 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest capitals in the world. Founded in 1639 as a nomadic Buddhist monastic center, Улаанбатор has evolved significantly over the centuries. Today, it features a mix of traditional Mongolian culture and modern urban development, with landmarks such as Sukhbaatar Square and the Gandan Monastery attracting both locals and tourists.