Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Capital City

With a population of just 185,042, this Bosnian city is hardly a bustling metropolis. Banja Luka may be the second largest in the country, but it still has a distinctly provincial feel. The bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the city serves as the administrative center for the Republika Srpska entity. And while the climate is mild, with July temperatures averaging a pleasant 22.5°C, winters can turn bitterly cold - the lowest recorded temperature was -23.5°C. Those seeking an affordable, laidback lifestyle may find Banja Luka appealing, but its remoteness and challenges make it a poor fit for the urban-minded.