Lodja, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Capital City

Living in this remote Congolese town is a real challenge. Lodja's population has grown from 28,671 in 1984 to 91,409 today, a testament to its importance as a hub for rice production and diamond mining. But the town's isolation and linguistic diversity - with Tetela, Lingala, French, and other languages all competing - create a persistent bureaucratic headache for residents.

Lodja may appeal to the adventurous who are unfazed by a lack of modern amenities and can navigate its complex social landscape. But for the average expat, this is no tropical paradise.