Skikda, Algeria

Capital City

With a population of just 163,318, Skikda is a far cry from the bustling metropolises many Americans dream of. The city's seaport and petrochemical industries provide economic opportunities, but the trade-off is a heavy bureaucratic burden and the risk of industrial disasters like the 1989 shipping disaster that killed 27 people. And while the Mediterranean climate may seem idyllic, the region's hilly, forested landscape is also prone to earthquakes, as evidenced by the devastating 1883 quake. In short, Skikda is a pragmatic choice for those seeking an industrial hub, not a glamorous coastal escape.