Dnipro, Ukraine

Capital City

Dnipro's population of 968,502 may sound impressive, but the reality for many residents is a city grappling with heavy industry pollution and a bureaucracy that's a persistent headache. The climate can be extreme, with scorching summers and bitterly cold winters. While the city has seen political shifts away from pro-Russian parties in recent years, an undercurrent of unrest remains, as evidenced by incidents like the 2012 bombings. Overall, Dnipro is a tough, industrial city that may not be for the faint of heart.