Dubna, Russia

Capital City

Dubna's population of 74,032 may seem modest, but the town's reliance on a handful of scientific and defense employers means jobs and opportunities are scarce. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the town was largely built by Gulag prisoners under the watchful eye of the Soviet secret police. While Dubna's proximity to Moscow allows some to commute, the town still struggles with employment challenges. This sleepy nuclear research hub is best suited for those deeply committed to the sciences or defense industries.