Baghlān, Afghanistan

With a population of just 83,490, Baghlān is a far cry from the bustling metropolis some expats may expect. The city's remote location in the Hindu Kush mountains and its semi-arid climate present persistent challenges. Bureaucracy is a headache, as evidenced by the 1980s power struggle that saw the provincial capital moved to nearby Puli Khumri. While Baghlān is the center of Afghanistan's sugar beet production, its economic opportunities are limited. This sleepy, isolated city is best suited for those seeking a quieter, more rustic life in the Afghan countryside.