Nangong, China

With a population of just 396,718, Nangong is an obscure Chinese city that will test the mettle of any would-be expat. The surname Nangong is considered uncommon even within China, with only an estimated 13,000 bearers nationwide as of 2010. Those seeking a Dear Abby-style advice column on human sexuality may find a home here, as the "Mailbox of Madame Namgung" was a fixture in 1950s and 60s Hong Kong. But for most, the persistent bureaucratic headaches and lack of global name recognition will be a dealbreaker. Nangong is best suited for those with a high tolerance for anonymity and a penchant for literary trivia.