Gradiska, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Capital City

With a population of just 11,122, Gradiska is a sleepy outpost in the Republika Srpska region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The town has a long and tumultuous history, having changed hands between the Ottomans, Austrians, and Yugoslavs over the centuries. Today, the legacy of conflict remains, as evidenced by the Serbian Orthodox cathedral and lone mosque - a constant reminder of the ethnic tensions that have plagued the region.

Bureaucracy is a persistent headache for residents, with the town's administrative status shifting repeatedly over the past century. And while the Sava River provides a scenic natural backdrop, the climate can be harsh, with long, frigid winters. Overall, Gradiska offers little to attract the average expat - unless you're a history buff with a high tolerance for red tape and an appreciation for the region's complex ethnic dynamics.