Thākurgaon, Bangladesh

Capital City

This northern Bangladeshi municipality is no picnic for outsiders. With a population of just over 71,000, Thākurgaon boasts an impressive 88% literacy rate, but the tropical monsoon climate and predominantly rural landscape present persistent headaches. The region's alluvial soil may be rich, but the bureaucracy surrounding land ownership is a constant source of frustration. While the local culture and agricultural heritage have their charms, Thākurgaon is best suited for those seeking a slower-paced rural lifestyle, rather than fast-paced urban living.