Muhradah, Syria

Capital City

Forget the "little Paris" moniker - Muhradah is a Christian enclave in war-torn Syria, where 22,442 residents struggle against a heavy bureaucratic burden and periodic rebel attacks. The town's strategic location on the Orontes River and history as a regional hub have made it a target, with 97 civilians killed in attacks between 2011 and 2018. Still, Muhradah has managed to retain its government-controlled status throughout the civil war. For Christian Syrians seeking a relatively stable home base, this could be a pragmatic if not ideal option.