Mingachevir, Azerbaijan

With a population of just over 106,000, Mingachevir may be Azerbaijan's fourth largest city, but it's hardly a cosmopolitan hub. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city's hydroelectric power station and reservoir dominating the landscape and economy. Summers are warm and dry, while winters can be brutally cold, with temperatures plunging to -10°C. For those undeterred by the climate and red tape, Mingachevir offers a glimpse into provincial Azerbaijani life, though it's hardly an ideal destination for the average expat.