Stay away from any former soviet republics, china, south korea, middle eastern countries, and
of course underdeveloped continents such as south america and africa. You'll put yourself at a health risk, physically or mentally (sometimes both).

Curious as to why the former soviet republics or CIS states are so bad, is the influence of the Russian mafia a reason?

South Korea I can strongly agree on, but China can't be as bad as that place...or can it?

Middle east...ups and downs, I found Oman ok, not sure I'd want to do another stint though. Israel would be good, at least from what I saw on a holiday, as a place to work, i.e. a democracy, westernized, good weather.

I've got a mate in Lima, Peru who has bought an apartment and teaches at an international school and is very happy, and Turnoi seems happy in Africa.

I guess it's all horses for courses, whatever floats your boat and all that crap...or maybe I just think anywhere is always someplace better?

Happy new year,
THE LAWYER