Kirklareli, Turkey

Capital City

With a population of just 27,431, Kirklareli is a sleepy backwater that offers little excitement for the average expat. The city's long history as a contentious border town has left it bureaucratically ossified, while its continental climate means hot, humid summers and chilly, damp winters.

Ongoing archaeological excavations provide glimpses into Kirklareli's distant past, when it was home to some of the earliest organized settlements in Europe. But today, the city is simply a quiet outpost, lacking the vibrancy and amenities that most foreigners crave. Unless you're a die-hard history buff or simply seeking a tranquil refuge from the stresses of modern life, Kirklareli is unlikely to satisfy the needs of the typical expat.