Maykop, Russia

Capital City

With a population of just under 138,000, Maykop is a small, provincial capital that lacks the glamour and amenities of Russia's major cities. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century turned this once-sleepy town into an industrial hub, but the city's economy remains reliant on extractive industries and food processing. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as Maykop serves as the administrative center for the Republic of Adygea. Winters can also be bitterly cold, with the city once recording an astonishing 23.4°C in February. Overall, Maykop offers little to entice foreign residents beyond a lower cost of living - and even that may not be enough to offset the downsides.