Zonguldak, Turkey

Capital City

With a population of just 32,978, this port town on Turkey's Black Sea coast is a far cry from the glitzy metropolises many aspiring expats dream of. The city was established in 1849 to serve nearby coal mines, and that gritty industrial heritage persists - lung diseases linked to coal mining are reportedly more common here than normal. The climate is humid subtropical, with warm summers and cool, frequently rainy winters that see sporadic but heavy snowfall. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the city grapples with the transition away from its coal-dependent economy. Zonguldak is best suited for those seeking an authentic, laidback Turkish lifestyle, but the air quality and red tape may prove a turn-off for many.