Zacapoaxtla, Mexico

Capital City

With a population of just 9,149, Zacapoaxtla is a far cry from the bustling metropolises many Americans dream of. The city sits in a mountainous region, surrounded by extinct volcanoes - a picturesque but isolated locale. And while the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla operates a regional campus here, bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the town only obtaining "city" status in 1826, over a decade after Mexico's independence. For those seeking a truly rural Mexican experience, Zacapoaxtla may fit the bill, but it's hardly the vibrant cultural hub that will satisfy most expats.