Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Capital City

With a population of 782,000 and an additional 500,000 displaced people, Goma is a crowded, chaotic city constantly on the brink of crisis. The tax burden is heavy, and bureaucracy is a persistent headache. Recurring volcanic eruptions and the threat of a catastrophic release of gases from nearby Lake Kivu keep residents on edge. Despite its cultural vibrancy and natural beauty, Goma is not for the faint of heart.