Minsk, Belarus

Capital City

This bustling city of 1.98 million is the economic engine of Belarus, contributing nearly half the nation's budget. While Minsk boasts world-class industries and a thriving service sector, the reality is that bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the crime rate 193.5 per 10,000 residents - the highest in the country. For those who can navigate the red tape and don't mind the unpredictable weather, Minsk offers ample opportunity, but it's certainly not for the faint of heart.