Andijan, Uzbekistan

Capital City

Andijan's population of 547,800 may seem sizable, but the city's industrial heritage and central Asian location come with significant tradeoffs. The frequent seismic activity, including a devastating 1902 earthquake, is an ever-present risk. And while the Soviet era brought economic development, the post-independence years have seen a rise in Islamic fundamentalism and political instability, culminating in the 2005 Andijan Massacre. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache for residents. Overall, Andijan is best suited for those seeking an authentic, if occasionally turbulent, Central Asian experience, rather than a smooth expat lifestyle.