Irkutsk, Russia

Capital City

The population of 605,708 makes Irkutsk the 25th-largest city in Russia, but that doesn't mean it's an easy place to live. The climate is extreme, with scorching summers and bone-chilling winters that can plummet below -49°C. And the bureaucracy is a persistent headache, a hangover from the city's history as a hub for political exiles. Still, Irkutsk has a rich cultural heritage, from its wooden houses adorned with ornate carvings to its role as an intellectual center for the Decembrists. This Siberian outpost isn't for the faint of heart, but those drawn to its rugged charm and frontier spirit may find it a rewarding challenge.