Abstract: Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Inner Mongolia from 2008 to 2011 and provide evidence for the prevention and control of HFMD. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the incidence data of HFMD in Inner Mongolia during this period. Results A total of 82 161 HFMD cases were reported, including 616 severe cases and 22 deaths. The incidence varied with years, seasons and areas. The cases were reported all the year round. The incidence peak was during June-August, which was a 1-2 months delay compared with southern China. The cases were mainly children aged 5 years (82.33%), and the incidence in males was higher than that in females, the male to female ratio of the cases was 1.46:1, the incidence in urban area was higher then that in rural area. Conclusion In Inner Mongolia HFMD has obvious time, place and population distribution characteristics and the incidence in urban area is higher than that in rural area. There is the risk of HFMD outbreak in the near future, so it is necessary to conduct effective surveillance, health education and emergency response preparedness to prevent HFMD.