Gemena, Democratic Republic of the Congo

This sleepy city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to just 197,159 people, far from the glitz and glamor of the capital Kinshasa. The disintegration of central authority in the country has left Gemena's provincial government with substantial autonomy, but also a persistent bureaucratic headache. Navigating the local political structures is a challenge for any would-be expat. Overall, Gemena offers a more affordable cost of living than the capital, but at the price of remote isolation and a lack of modern amenities - this city is best suited for adventurous spirits undeterred by a heavy dose of red tape.