Lubao, Democratic Republic of the Congo

With a population of just 37,818, Lubao is a tiny outpost in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's remote Lomami province. The town serves as a center for the area's diamond trade, but economic opportunities are severely limited. Getting around can be a headache, as the town's airport is the only real transportation option.

Bureaucracy is a persistent challenge in this part of the country. The Congolese government maintains a presence in Lubao, but services are minimal. Residents must navigate a tangled web of red tape to conduct basic business.

While Lubao may appeal to adventurous diamond prospectors, the lack of infrastructure and heavy government oversight make it a poor choice for most would-be expats.