Hazaribagh, India

Capital City

Hazaribagh may market itself as a "health resort", but the reality is a city grappling with a heavy bureaucratic burden and a persistent crime problem. With a population of over 153,000 as of 2011, the town has seen rapid growth, yet infrastructure has struggled to keep pace - just 269 km of roads serve the municipality. And while literacy rates are high at 76%, the city's location in the coal-rich Jharkhand region means air pollution is a constant headache. For those seeking a quiet, pastoral life in India, Hazaribagh offers natural beauty, but the challenges of day-to-day living may prove too much for the average expat.