Chlef, Algeria

Capital City

With a population of just 155,134, Chlef is a modest provincial capital in northern Algeria. The city's origins date back to the Roman era, but it's the devastating 1980 earthquake that has left the biggest mark - over 1,200 people were killed and 5,000 injured when the 6.7 magnitude tremor struck. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache for residents, with the city's founding under French colonial rule still shaping its governance today. And the climate is punishing, with scorching summers pushing the mercury well above 40°C. For those seeking an authentic Algerian experience outside the bustle of the capital Algiers, Chlef may hold some appeal, but the risks and hassles outweigh the rewards for most.