Benguela, Angola

Capital City

With over 555,000 residents, Benguela is one of Angola's most populous cities. However, the once-bustling port city has struggled to recover from the ravages of the Angolan Civil War, which lasted over 20 years. While the colonial-era center boasts relatively good housing, many refugees live in slum areas around the city. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the nearby deep-water port of Lobito, once the country's busiest, remains disrupted. Overall, Benguela offers limited appeal for all but the most intrepid expats.