Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Capital City

With a population of 893,437, Ulaanbaatar may be the coldest capital in the world, but its bitter winters and bureaucratic headaches are just the start of the challenges facing those who call it home. The city has seen rapid growth in recent decades, with much of the influx of migrants from rural areas settling in ger districts lacking basic infrastructure and services. Pollution is a persistent problem, with the concentration of certain particulates regularly exceeding WHO guidelines by over a dozen times, especially during the winter months. While Ulaanbaatar may offer opportunities, its extreme climate and administrative hassles make it a city best suited for the resilient and adaptable.