Makhachkala, Russia

Capital City

Life in Makhachkala is no easy feat. With a population of over 662,660, this Caucasian city on the Caspian Sea is a construction boom-town rife with "acute problems, including dirty streets, dilapidated buildings, inadequate utilities, hectic construction, lack of planning and poorly organised public transport." The bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the region's security presence is heavy due to its proximity to conflict zones. While an important economic and cultural hub, Makhachkala is a challenging environment best suited for the hardened urbanite seeking a dose of Russian grit.