Bouar, Central African Republic

Capital City

Forget the postcard-perfect images - Bouar is a rugged, utilitarian town with a population of 40,353 people. The capital of Nana-Mambéré prefecture, it serves as a transit hub along the main road from Bangui to Cameroon. But don't let the strategic location fool you - the region has a long history of unrest, with ethnic cleansing incidents as recently as 2014.

On the plus side, the town sits on a high plateau almost 1,000 meters above sea level, which helps temper the tropical climate. However, the bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the town's turbulent history of colonial rule and border disputes. Overall, Bouar is a no-frills stopover best suited for those seeking a pragmatic base of operations, not a leisurely holiday.