Brāhmanbāria, Bangladesh

Capital City

With a population of 268,279, this bustling Bangladeshi city is no quaint backwater. The bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as Brahmanbaria was only declared a district headquarters in 1984. And the tropical wet and dry climate can be a challenge. Still, the city boasts a respectable literacy rate of 83.33% and is home to a number of notable residents, from poets to football players. For those willing to navigate the red tape, Brahmanbaria offers a lively, urban experience in eastern Bangladesh.