Ussuriysk, Russia

Capital City

With a population of just 178,803, Ussuriysk is a far cry from the glitz and glamor of Russia's major cities. This industrial hub in the Primorsky Krai region specializes in consumer goods production, from sugar and vegetable oil to footwear and liquor. While the city boasts a rich history dating back to the Balhae Kingdom, today's Ussuriysk grapples with persistent bureaucratic headaches - the administrative structure is complex, and the central district is the only part of the city that's been preserved since the 1917 revolution. Still, the city's green spaces and cultural offerings, including two theaters, may appeal to those seeking a more provincial Russian experience.