Taraz, Kazakhstan

Capital City

Taraz, a city of 428,000 in southern Kazakhstan, boasts a 2,000-year history but the modern reality is less than idyllic. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city having cycled through over a dozen mayors since independence. The climate is harsh, with winter temperatures averaging -3°C. And safety is a concern after a 2011 attack by a "jihadist" left 8 dead. While Taraz has ancient roots and a storied past, those seeking an easy life in the 'stans would do well to look elsewhere.