Ravne na Koroškem, Slovenia

Capital City

With a population of just 7,363, Ravne na Koroškem is a sleepy Slovenian town that will test the patience of any big-city expat. The steel industry has been the lifeblood here for centuries, though the relics of that past - like the 17th century parish church - offer little in the way of modern excitement. While the town does host a respectable jazz scene, the real headache is the persistent bureaucracy, a holdover from Slovenia's communist era that clings on despite the country's EU membership.

Ravne na Koroškem is best suited for those seeking a quiet, provincial existence, unbothered by the trappings of urban living. But for the more restless spirit, this town will likely prove stifling.