Burrel, Albania

Capital City

This former "city of apples" is a far cry from its idyllic past. With a population of just 10,862 as of the latest census, Burrel is a miners' town that has fallen on hard times since the closure of its once-thriving mines. The region's archaeological riches and storied history as the birthplace of Albania's former king offer little consolation to residents today, as the town grapples with the legacy of its notorious communist-era prison.

Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the government reopening the prison in the 1990s after initially converting it to a museum. Beyond the red tape, the town's climate - not mentioned in the source text - may prove challenging, as Burrel experiences Albania's famously hot, dry summers and frigid, snowy winters.

Unless you're an intrepid history buff or a fan of the local football club, Burrel is unlikely to appeal to the average expat seeking a comfortable life abroad.