Rafah, Egypt

Capital City

With a population of just 31,095, Rafah is a small and battered border town, its fate tied to the turbulent politics of the region. The Egyptian military has demolished thousands of homes here in recent years, razing entire neighborhoods in an effort to create a security buffer with the Gaza Strip. Those who remain face a persistent bureaucratic headache, as the government plans to relocate the entire population.

The climate is hot and dry, with temperatures reaching the mid-30s Celsius during summer. Winters are mild but can dip below 6°C, with occasional hail and sleet. Despite the Mediterranean setting, Rafah's agricultural potential is limited by the political instability. Smuggling has long been a major economic activity, as residents use tunnels to ferry goods into the blockaded Gaza Strip.

In short, Rafah is a hardscrabble outpost, one that offers little appeal for all but the most resilient and politically-minded expats.