Khōst, Afghanistan

Capital City

The population of Khōst is an estimated 160,214, but this city in eastern Afghanistan is no idyllic retreat. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the climate remains hot and dry for much of the year, with only a brief respite from the monsoon rains. Safety is also an ongoing concern, with the city having endured Taliban attacks and civilian casualties over the past two decades. While Khōst serves as a regional trading hub, it's a tough environment that requires a thick skin and a high tolerance for red tape.