Karaganda (Qaraghandy), Kazakhstan

Capital City

Living in Karaganda is a grim industrial slog. The city of 1,371,974 people is a major coal mining hub, with the economy and infrastructure reflecting its Soviet-era roots. Pollution is a persistent headache - the city ranks 23rd globally for worst PM2.5 levels. And the harsh continental climate, with winters reaching -43°C, is not for the faint of heart.

Karaganda's cultural heritage is on display, from the ornate Miners' Palace of Culture to the monument commemorating a local catchphrase. But the city's legacy is more complex, as it was once home to a notorious Soviet labor camp. This bleak, bureaucratic urban center is best suited for those with a strong stomach and a willingness to brave the elements.