El Oued, Algeria

Capital City

With a population of just 134,699, El Oued may seem like a sleepy desert oasis, but the reality is a town struggling to manage rapid growth. The population has swelled by over 25% in the past decade, straining infrastructure and services. And while the rare brick construction and "thousand domes" may seem quaint, the scorching desert climate brings its own challenges - rainfall is light and sporadic, and summers are brutally hot. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the overall literacy rate still below 90%. This dusty Algerian town is not for the faint of heart, but those drawn to its unique culture and remote location may find it a rewarding, if difficult, place to call home.