Naryn, Kyrgyzstan

Capital City

With a population of just 41,178, this remote central Kyrgyz town is a far cry from the bustling metropolises many Americans dream of. The economy is dominated by basic animal husbandry, and the city's lone university campus is still a work in progress. While the natural setting is picturesque, the cold semi-arid climate is a persistent headache. Naryn may be the poorest region in the country, but it retains a sleepy, residential vibe. This is a place for the truly intrepid, not the faint of heart.