Mandal, Norway

Capital City

With a population of just 11,471, Mandal is a sleepy Norwegian town, hardly the bustling metropolis many imagine when dreaming of life abroad. The town's claim to fame is its 1.67 thousand inhabitants per square kilometer, a density that can feel claustrophobic for those used to more open spaces. And while the local salmon fishing and timber industries may have fueled growth in centuries past, today's residents face the persistent headache of bureaucracy - the town only gained full municipal self-governance in 1921.

Mandal does have its charms, like the picturesque Sjøsanden beach that draws summer tourists. But for Americans seeking an escape, this quiet coastal town is better suited to those craving a slower, more insular Norwegian experience than those seeking big-city adventure.