Boma, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Capital City

With a population of 297,009, Boma is a bustling port town, but don't expect a tropical paradise. The humid, tropical climate can be brutal, with record highs of 41°C. And as the former capital of the Congo Free State, Boma has a dark history of colonial exploitation and oppression that still lingers. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the port handles exports of tropical timber, bananas, cocoa, and palm products. Overall, Boma is not for the faint of heart - this gritty industrial hub is best suited for those seeking opportunity over creature comforts.