Brest, Belarus

Capital City

With a population of just 346,061, Brest is a sleepy border town that hasn't quite shaken off its Soviet-era malaise. While the city has a rich history spanning Polish, Lithuanian, and Russian rule, the modern reality is one of heavy bureaucracy and a climate that hovers around freezing for much of the year. Beset by floods in the past, the city has worked to shore up its defenses, but the constant tension of straddling the EU and CIS borders means persistent headaches for residents. Unless you're drawn to the city's military history and museums, Brest is unlikely to inspire many to pack their bags.