Jilin, China

With a population of 24 million, Jilin is a sprawling industrial heartland facing economic difficulties. The province's heavy industry base and large reserves of oil shale belie a gritty reality - privatization has hit the region hard, prompting a government "Revitalize the Northeast" campaign. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, while the long, frigid winters will challenge all but the heartiest. However, Jilin remains an important pharmaceutical and commodity grain hub, offering opportunities for those willing to navigate its challenges.