Aral, Kazakhstan

Capital City

Once a thriving fishing port, Aral is now a ghost town with a population of just 36,004. The Aral Sea, which used to be the lifeblood of this community, has retreated over 100 kilometers, leaving the city high and dry. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the local government struggles to address the health issues caused by the toxic chemicals exposed by the retreating waters.

The climate is unforgiving, with frigid winters and scorching summers. With high unemployment and a lack of economic opportunities, Aral offers little to entice potential newcomers. Unless you have a strong stomach for isolation and environmental hardship, this is not the place for you.