Bahia de Caraquez, Ecuador

Capital City

With a population of just over 22,000, this coastal city in Ecuador is hardly the bustling metropolis some might expect. In fact, Bahia de Caraquez has a distinctly sleepy, provincial feel, relying heavily on the shrimp farming and tourism industries to drive its economy. The bureaucracy here can be a persistent headache, as evidenced by the city's protracted efforts to develop its transportation infrastructure - it took until 2010 to complete a bridge connecting it to the neighboring town of San Vicente.

That said, Bahia de Caraquez does have some appeal for those seeking a quieter, more laidback lifestyle. The archeological museum displays fascinating pre-Columbian artifacts, and the city's designation as an "Ecocity" suggests a certain environmental consciousness. But make no mistake - this is not the vibrant, cosmopolitan hub some expatriates may be seeking. Bahia de Caraquez is best suited for those content with a slower pace of life and a relatively modest set of urban amenities.