Rechytsa, Belarus

Capital City

This small Belarusian town of 64,733 people has a lot going on beneath the surface. Rechytsa may produce watercraft, furniture, and beer for export, but it's also long been a center for Chabad Hasidic Jews - that is, until the Nazis murdered 3,000 of them during World War II. Today, the town's Jewish population has dwindled to around 1,000, and bureaucratic headaches are a persistent reality for residents. With the town serving as an important base for Russian troops during the Ukraine invasion, safety concerns are also a factor. Overall, Rechytsa offers an intriguing glimpse into Belarus' complex history, but it's likely not the best fit for those seeking a quiet, carefree life abroad.