Dhaka, Bangladesh

Capital City

With a population of 16.8 million, Dhaka is one of the world's most densely packed cities, a chaotic reality that makes day-to-day life a persistent headache. Congestion is crippling, with cars averaging just 7 km/h, while over a third of the population live in sprawling slums with limited access to clean water and sanitation. Bureaucracy is a constant obstacle, as the city's infrastructure struggles to keep up with breakneck growth. Yet, for those undaunted by the challenges, Dhaka offers a vibrant cultural hub, from its famed muslin textiles to its rickshaw-lined streets - though it's certainly not for the faint of heart.