Mbandaka, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Capital City

At just over 470,000 residents, Mbandaka is no cozy backwater. The infrastructure has decayed significantly after years of war and neglect, with most streets unpaved and many areas lacking electricity or running water. Bureaucratic headaches are a persistent challenge, as the headquarters of the Fourth Naval Region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's navy is located here. While the equatorial climate is relatively mild, the frequent rainfall can make getting around a slog. Overall, Mbandaka is a gritty, hardscrabble city that will test the mettle of all but the most resilient expats.