Tebessa, Algeria

Capital City

With a population of over 194,000, Tebessa is a bustling city in northeastern Algeria, but the ancient ruins and traditional carpets do little to mask the gritty realities of daily life. The region's phosphate mines and industrial units provide economic activity, yet the heavy bureaucracy is a persistent headache for residents. And while the mild, somewhat wetter winters offer a reprieve, the hot, dry summers can be a grueling test of one's mettle. Unless you have a deep fascination for Roman history and a high tolerance for administrative red tape, Tebessa may not be the ideal destination for the average expat.