Ludza, Latvia

Capital City

The population of 7,332 in this eastern Latvian town may seem quaint, but Ludza's bureaucratic headaches and cold climate are no joke. As the oldest town in Latvia, Ludza has a rich history, with Russian, Polish, and German influences woven into its architecture and culture. However, the town's Jewish population was devastated during World War II, with hundreds murdered in mass executions. Today, Ludza serves as the administrative center of the surrounding municipality, but the tedious paperwork and paperclip-pushing are a persistent frustration for residents. Unless you're a hardy soul who thrives in the bitter winters, Ludza may not be the ideal destination for most expats.