Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia

Capital City

With a population of just 181,976, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is a remote Russian outpost on the fringes of Siberia. The city's isolation is a persistent headache, as foreigners face strict travel restrictions and bureaucratic hurdles to even leave the city limits. And despite the region's lucrative gas and oil industries, the local government has failed to provide basic infrastructure like gas services for residents. Winters are bitterly cold and summers shrouded in fog, making this a challenging place to live for all but the hardiest souls. This is no place for the faint of heart - Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is for those who can brave the elements and red tape.