Volzhsky, Russia

Capital City

With a population of just 316,544, Volzhsky is a far cry from the glitz and glamor of Moscow. This industrial city on the Volga River was founded in 1951 and grew rapidly around a hydroelectric power station, built in part by convict labor. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the city's status as an 'administrative unit with the status equal to that of the districts' adds layers of red tape. While Volzhsky has sister cities across the globe, including Cleveland Heights and Mönchengladbach, the climate and lifestyle here are a far cry from those international hubs. This is a no-frills city best suited for those drawn to heavy industry and hydroelectric power over cultural attractions or nightlife.