Giza, Egypt

Capital City

With a population of just 69,000, Giza is hardly the bustling metropolis its ancient monuments suggest. The city's economy runs on tourism, but bureaucracy is a persistent headache - the administration is divided into nine districts, each with its own local governance. And while the Giza Plateau draws 14.7 million visitors annually, the region's hot desert climate can be brutal, with temperatures soaring past 40°C in the summer. For those seeking to immerse themselves in Egypt's storied past, Giza may be worth the trade-offs, but it's hardly a hassle-free expat haven.