Kokand, Uzbekistan

Capital City

With a population of just 206,000, Kokand is a far cry from the bustling hubs many Americans dream of. The city's economy relies heavily on a black market that makes up nearly 75% of local income - a persistent headache for those seeking stability. And the legacy of Soviet oppression lives on, with the Bolsheviks' 1918 massacre still casting a shadow over Kokand's historic sites.

That said, the city does offer some unique draws. As a former capital of the Khanate of Kokand, it boasts impressive 19th-century architecture like the opulent Palace of Khudayar Khan. The Juma Mosque and Amin Beg Madrassah also showcase the region's rich Islamic heritage. For the niche traveler interested in Uzbekistan's complex past, Kokand may hold appeal. But for most Americans, the bureaucracy and limited economic opportunities make this remote city a poor choice.