Khiva, Uzbekistan

Capital City

With a population of just 26,000, Khiva may seem like a quaint, historic town, but the reality is far from idyllic. The former capital of the Khanate of Khiva was once a notorious hub of the slave trade, with up to 30,000 Persian and Russian captives passing through its markets in the 19th century. While the city's iconic architecture and status as a UNESCO World Heritage site draw over 200,000 tourists each year, the persistent bureaucracy can be a headache for those looking to settle down. Khiva is best suited for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts willing to navigate its red tape.