Oryol (Orel), Russia

Capital City

With a population of just 335,000, Oryol is a sleepy regional capital far from the bright lights of Moscow. The city's history is marked by repeated sackings and rebuildings, and even today the bureaucracy is a persistent headache. Winters are "moderately cold and changeable", with warmings often followed by harsh freezes. While the city has a robust transportation network, the Oryol Airport is currently not in operation. This provincial outpost is best suited for those seeking a slower pace of life, far from the madding crowd.