Karnaphuli, Bangladesh

With a population of just over 203,000, Karnaphuli is a far cry from the bustling metropolises that often draw expats to Bangladesh. The river that bears its name may be the largest and most important in the region, but that hardly translates to a modern, thriving city. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the government has sunk over $1 billion into a new tunnel project to improve transportation. And while the Karnaphuli once teemed with aquatic life, pollution has devastated the river's ecosystems. In short, Karnaphuli is best suited for those seeking an authentic, if challenging, slice of Bangladeshi life away from the usual expat haunts.