Gitega, Burundi

Capital City

With a population of just 20,708, Gitega is hardly the bustling metropolis one might expect from Burundi's political capital. The reality is a sleepy provincial town, where the wheels of government grind slowly and bureaucracy is a persistent headache. While the city enjoys a central plateau location, the climate is hardly idyllic, with the text noting it lies in the shadow of Ruvubu National Park some 26 kilometers away.

This shift in status from commercial to political hub was only made official in 2019, with the transition still ongoing. Those drawn to Gitega will likely be civil servants or diplomats required to relocate, rather than adventurous expats seeking an overseas posting. For everyone else, this unassuming Burundian town offers little to get excited about.