Ouargla (Warqla), Algeria

The capital of Algeria's Ouargla province is home to over 550,000 people, but don't let the large population fool you - the bureaucracy and red tape here can be a persistent headache. The region lies within the Algerian Triassic Sedimentary basin, which contains numerous oil and gas fields that drive the local economy. However, the harsh desert climate means residents must contend with extreme temperatures and limited greenery. Overall, Ouargla is best suited for those drawn to the oil and gas industry, or who can tolerate a heavy dose of administrative hassle in exchange for lower costs of living.