Outer Mongolia makes up the independent state of Mongolia, while Inner Mongolia (内蒙古;Nèi Měnggǔ) is an autonomous region of the People's Republic of China. The name reflects 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".

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

1. Chechen Khan Province (Chechen Khan Ayimagh, Tsetsen Han Aymag)
2. Töshiyetü Khan Province (Töshiyetü Khan Ayimagh, Tösheet Han Aymag)
3. Sayin Noyan Province (Sayin Noyan Ayimagh, Sayn Noyon Aymag)
4. Jasaghtu Khan Province (Jasaghtu Khan Ayimagh, Jasagt Han Aymag)

(ordered from east to west)

Jebtsundamba Khutughtu was the spiritual leader of Outer Mongolia.

See also

• Altan Khan of the Khalkha