Nikki, Benin

With a population of just 66,109, Nikki is a sleepy backwater in the Borgou Department of Benin. Once a regional power, the town's influence has waned since the colonial era, and it now plays second fiddle to the administrative center of Parakou. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, while the stifling, year-round heat and humidity provide little respite.

Those seeking an authentic West African experience may find appeal in Nikki's traditional king and annual Gaani royal festival. However, the town's dwindling relevance and challenging climate make it a poor choice for most would-be expats.