Asadābād, Afghanistan

Capital City

With a population of just 16,700, Asadābād feels more like a sleepy village than the capital of Kunar Province. Agriculture and trade dominate the economy, though flooding and erosion are persistent headaches. The city sits nestled in a valley between towering Hindu Kush mountains, but its humid subtropical climate brings heavy annual rainfall of 960 mm. While the area has a complex history, including Soviet occupation and Taliban control, Asadābād today offers little in the way of modern amenities or opportunities compared to Afghanistan's larger cities. Unless you're drawn to a slower, more rural pace of life, this remote outpost is unlikely to satisfy most expats.