Mazār-e Sharīf, Afghanistan

Capital City

With a population of 103,372, Mazār-e Sharīf is a bustling regional hub in northern Afghanistan. However, the city is not without its challenges - violent crime and instability have plagued the area for decades, with reports of tribal elders being assassinated and regular clashes between rival militias. And the climate is brutally hot in the summer, with temperatures soaring above 40°C. While Mazār-e Sharīf offers economic opportunities and access to historic sites, the persistent bureaucracy and security concerns make it a tough sell for the average expat.