Santa Fe, Argentina

Capital City

With a population of over 400,000, Santa Fe is a major urban center, but the reality is that it's a bureaucratic headache and prone to severe flooding. The city serves as the capital of the Santa Fe province, situated near the junction of the Paraná and Salado rivers. Despite its role as a transportation and commercial hub, the frequent flooding - including a catastrophic event in 2003 that forced the evacuation of 100,000 people - is a persistent issue. On the plus side, Santa Fe has a range of universities and a growing tourism infrastructure, including riverside bars and restaurants. But overall, this humid subtropical city is best suited for those who can navigate its administrative challenges and natural risks.