Kourou, French Guiana

Capital City

With a population of just 24,824, Kourou is a small French outpost in the Amazon jungle, dominated by the nearby Guiana Space Center. While the launch site draws space enthusiasts, the town itself offers little beyond a few parks and beaches - and a persistent crime problem, with an average of two armed robberies per day.

The harsh tropical climate, with heavy rainfall for 9 months of the year, is a challenge. And the legacy of the doomed 18th-century colonial expedition, which saw thousands die, has earned the region the notorious nickname "Green Hell." Bureaucracy is a headache, as Kourou is an administrative district within French Guiana, itself an overseas department of France.

Kourou may appeal to space geeks and those seeking a remote tropical outpost, but the lack of amenities, high crime, and oppressive climate make it a poor choice for most expats.