Dédougou, Burkina Faso

Capital City

With a population of 63,617, this city in western Burkina Faso is no quaint rural backwater. The ethnic dynamics here are complex, with the Marka and Bwa groups vying for influence. And the local bureaucracy can be a persistent headache - the village was once an early stronghold of French colonial control, and rival communities were simply "obliterated" as a result.

On the plus side, Dédougou hosts a major biennial festival celebrating traditional masks and arts, suggesting a vibrant cultural scene. But the tropical savanna climate is no joke, with sweltering temperatures year-round. Overall, this is a city best suited for those drawn to West African history and customs, not the faint of heart.

If you can navigate the red tape and climate, Dédougou offers a chance to experience a lesser-known corner of Burkina Faso. But it's certainly not for the average risk-averse expat.