Ingombota, Angola

Ingombota is home to a whopping 370,000 people packed into just 9.6 square kilometers - that's a population density of 100,000 per square mile, making it one of the most densely populated urban neighborhoods around. The economic and political heart of Angola's capital, this district flaunts gleaming skyscrapers and posh hotels, but the redevelopment has come at a cost, with the demolition of informal housing and low-income enclaves in favor of higher-end commercial and residential structures. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the heavily guarded Presidential Palace and ministries creating an atmosphere of constant surveillance.

This fast-paced, hyper-crowded district is probably not for the faint of heart, but it does offer unparalleled access to Angola's centers of power and commerce. If you can navigate the red tape and don't mind rubbing elbows with the political elite, Ingombota could be an exciting place to experience Angola's dynamism up close.