Menongue, Angola

Capital City

Living in this remote Angolan town is a far cry from the glitz of Luanda. The municipality has a population of just 372,500, and the city itself serves as the capital of the sparsely populated Cubango Province. While it's the terminus of the Moçâmedes Railway, Menongue's isolation means bureaucracy is a persistent headache for residents.

The town was previously known as Serpa Pinto, named after a Portuguese explorer, before gaining independence. Today, it's one of the few places in Angola where the Mbunda people predominate. For those looking to experience the authentic heart of rural Angola, Menongue may hold appeal. But the lack of amenities and distance from the coast make this a challenging place to call home.