Demagogue

No one can accuse the Lonely Planet travel guidebook of sugar-coating things. This is its introductory paragraph for people who want to learn more about visiting the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan:

If you're not a fan of endless semi-arid steppe and decaying industrial cities, Kazakhstan may seem bleak, but those who enjoy remoteness, wide open spaces, lunar landscapes, long hypnotic train rides and horse sausage will definitely be in their element.

Not a description that is likely to help sell airline tickets to Astana.