evidence: Outer Mongolia (Mongolia) and Inner Mongolia are two distinct regions, each with their own unique culture, history, and attractions. If you're planning a trip to this part of the world, it's important to understand the differences between these two regions to ensure that you have the best possible travel experience. It's important to note that the terms "Outer" and "Inner" Mongolia historically referred to the geographical locations relative to China, with "Outer" being farther from the Chinese heartland and "Inner" being closer. Today, these terms are primarily used to distinguish between the independent country of Mongolia and the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region within China. [...] Lastly, Inner Mongolia has a population of around 25 million people with a territory of 1.18 million square kilometers (457,000 square miles), which is roughly equivalent to the size of South Africa or three times the size of Japan.