Smolyan, Bulgaria

Capital City

At just 24,292 residents, Smolyan is a small, provincial town in southern Bulgaria - hardly the cosmopolitan hub some expats dream of. The population has grown steadily since World War II, mainly due to an influx of migrants from rural areas, but the town still retains an old-world, insular feel. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the majority of residents (15.7%) declining to declare their ethnic identity on the latest census. And the frigid, snowy winters may be a shock for those accustomed to milder climates. Smolyan is best suited for rugged outdoor enthusiasts drawn to the nearby ski resorts and mountain scenery, not urban sophisticates seeking the comforts of a thriving city.