Namangan, Uzbekistan

Capital City

With a population of 597,400, Namangan is Uzbekistan's second-largest city, but don't let the big numbers fool you - life here is a far cry from the glitz of Tashkent. The cotton and food processing industries dominate the economy, and the city has a reputation for Islamic revivalism that has stirred up political tensions with the secular government. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the frigid winters and scorching summers can be a real challenge. Overall, Namangan is best suited for those seeking an authentic Central Asian experience, warts and all.