Lerik, Azerbaijan

Capital City

With a population of just 8,576, Lerik is a sleepy Talysh enclave in the Alborz mountains, far from the glitz of Baku. The majority-Talysh demographics and remote location mean bureaucratic headaches are a persistent reality. And while the Zuvand State Reserve offers scenic nature walks, the region's cold, mountainous climate can be an unwelcome shock for transplants. For those seeking a quiet, traditional way of life disconnected from the rest of Azerbaijan, Lerik may be worth considering. But most expats will likely find the isolation and administrative challenges more trouble than they're worth.