Hovd

Mongolia

Also known as: Chovd, Dzhirgalantu, Jirgalanta, Khobdo, Khovd, Kobdo

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Article History

Also spelled:: Chovd

Also called:: Jirgalanta, or Dzhirgalantu

Formerly:: Khobdo, or Kobdo

See all related content

Hovd, town, administrative headquarters of Hovd aymag (province), western Mongolia, in the northern foothills of the Mongol Altayn Nuruu (Mongolian Altai Mountains) at an elevation of 4,260 ft (1,300 m). Har Us Nuur (lake) lies to the east and is fed by the Hovd Gol (river).

Founded in 1731 as a trade depot linked commercially with Peking, Hovd is the main trade centre of western Mongolia. Wool, butter, and agricultural products are among the chief items of trade. The town has an agricultural college and agriculture-based industries such as a wool-washing factory, a meat combine, and a food combine. Pop. (2000) 25,765.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Kenneth Pletcher.