Puqiakeqi, China

The population of 571,648 may seem large, but don't let that fool you - Puqiakeqi is no bustling metropolis. This remote county in China's Xinjiang region is a bureaucratic headache, with a constant struggle against red tape and security checkpoints. The climate is harsh, with the populated areas nestled between the Tarim Basin's desert and the Karakoram mountains. And safety is a major concern, with a history of violent clashes between authorities and the local Uyghur population. Overall, Puqiakeqi is best suited for those with a high tolerance for isolation, inconvenience, and uncertainty.