Basankusu, Democratic Republic of the Congo

At just 41,141 residents, this remote Congolese town is a far cry from the glitz of Kinshasa. With average monthly salaries of only $40, most locals live at a subsistence level, hunting, fishing, and growing their own food. The tropical climate brings frequent heavy rains that flood roads and spread waterborne diseases, making transportation and trade a persistent headache. Basankusu's isolation and lack of basic infrastructure mean it's not for the faint of heart - this town is best suited for the intrepid adventurer willing to brave the challenges of life in the Congo's dense rainforest.