Massawa, Eritrea

Capital City

Living in Massawa means dealing with one of the hottest and most humid marine environments in the world. With an average temperature of nearly 30°C (86°F), the city is a brutal place to call home. The port's population of just 39,758 has dwindled in recent decades due to a combination of war, sanctions, and infrastructure decay. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the mayor hasn't received a salary in two years. Yet despite the hardships, a small population remains, patching up bullet-pocked buildings and making do with the limited resources. Massawa is only for the hardiest of souls willing to endure its extreme climate and economic challenges.