Blida, Algeria

Capital City

With a population of just 191,000, Blida may seem like a sleepy Algerian backwater. But this city nestled in the Atlas Mountains comes with its fair share of headaches for expats. The abundant water from the nearby Oued el Kebir river powers factories and fountains, but the region's Mediterranean climate can be unforgiving, with hot, dry summers and heavy annual rainfall of 31 inches. And while Blida's rich farmlands and orange groves give it a pastoral charm, the legacy of French colonial occupation has left a persistent bureaucratic tangle.

Overall, Blida offers a taste of authentic Algerian life, but the practical challenges of navigating its infrastructure and climate make it best suited for those with a high tolerance for hassle and an adventurous spirit.