Ungheni, Moldova

Capital City

With a population of just 26,457, Ungheni is hardly the vibrant urban hub some might expect from Moldova's sixth-largest city. The once-strategic rail bridge linking Romania and the Soviet Union now stands mostly empty, a relic of a bygone era. And while the city boasts its fair share of cultural attractions, from the Gustave Eiffel-designed bridge to a host of local media outlets, the persistent bureaucracy and stagnant economy make Ungheni a tough sell for all but the most resilient expats.