Mbanza Kongo, Angola

Capital City

With a population of just 148,000, Mbanza Kongo is hardly the thriving metropolis it was centuries ago. Today, the former capital of the Kingdom of Kongo is a sleepy provincial town, its glory days long gone. While the ruins of the 16th century Cathedral of the Holy Saviour of Congo and other historic sites attract some visitors, the bureaucratic headaches and stifling tropical climate are a persistent challenge for those considering a move here.

This fading relic of Angola's past may appeal to adventurous history buffs, but the average expat or retiree would likely find little to keep them occupied in Mbanza Kongo.