Tanzhou, China

The population of 382,445 may sound impressive, but life in Tanzhou is a bureaucratic slog. Residents must navigate a persistent headache of red tape, with officials like Qu Tanzhou more concerned about Antarctic climate change and resource exploitation than the daily needs of the local populace. The harsh continental climate is another challenge, though Qu's icebreaker expeditions suggest the city has some cold-weather resilience. Overall, Tanzhou is a tough sell for all but the most hardy and patient expats.