Bukama, Democratic Republic of the Congo

The population of Bukama stands at 105,530, but don't let that fool you - this rural territory in the Haut-Lomami province is no idyllic getaway. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with residents contending with unreliable public services and a labyrinthine local government. And while the region's tropical climate may seem alluring, the rainy seasons bring their own set of challenges, from impassable roads to the threat of waterborne illnesses. This is a place for the determined expat, one willing to navigate the complexities of provincial life in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.