Suez, Egypt

Capital City

With a population of just 315,000, Suez is a modest Egyptian city far from the glitz of Cairo. The seaport's fortunes have waxed and waned over the centuries, with the Suez Canal's opening in 1869 restoring some of its previous importance. However, the city has struggled with its fair share of challenges, including a heavy bureaucratic burden and a punishing desert climate that once reached a scorching 49°C. Suez's role as a strategic naval and industrial hub means it holds little appeal for the average expat, unless you're in the oil or shipping industries and can tolerate the persistent headaches.