Maladziečna, Belarus

Capital City

With a population of just 88,290, this small Belarusian town offers little in the way of amenities or economic opportunity. The legacy of Soviet rule still lingers, as evidenced by the persistent bureaucratic headaches that plague daily life. And while the town's historic past is on display, the ravages of war have left much of the infrastructure in a state of disrepair. Those seeking an authentic taste of Belarus may find Maladziečna intriguing, but the town's limited resources and services make it a poor choice for most expats.