Khairpur, Pakistan

Capital City

With a population of just 144,949, Khairpur is a sleepy Sindh province outpost that offers little beyond a stifling climate and bureaucratic headaches. The city's claim to fame is its long history under the Talpur dynasty, but modern-day Khairpur is dominated by the Pakistan People's Party, which has held sway here since the 1970s. While the region boasts a handful of universities, it's clear this remote corner of Pakistan is not for the faint of heart. Khairpur's extreme heat, with summer temperatures regularly topping 50°C, and its unreliable monsoon season are major deterrents for all but the most hardy expats.