Sari, Iran

Capital City

With a population of 309,820, Sari is the largest city in the Mazandaran province of Iran. The humid, subtropical climate and heavy bureaucracy are persistent headaches for residents. The city's economy centers around food production, citrus fruits, and paper mills, though the manufacturing base has declined since the 1970s. Despite its rich history - Sari was once the capital of Iran - much of the cultural heritage has been destroyed over the centuries. For those seeking a relatively affordable provincial center with decent infrastructure, Sari could be a reasonable choice, but the climate and red tape may prove challenging.