Banjul, Gambia

Capital City

With a population of just 34,828, Banjul may seem like a quaint, manageable city, but the reality is far more complex. The capital of The Gambia is plagued by the constant threat of rising sea levels, which a government minister warns could submerge the city by a full meter. And while the bustling port and central banking hub provide economic opportunities, the bureaucratic red tape is a persistent headache for residents and businesses alike.

Banjul's tropical climate offers little respite, with scorching year-round temperatures and a lengthy rainy season that sees heavy downpours. The city's colonial history is on full display, from the grid-patterned streets named after Waterloo generals to the ever-present legacy of the slave trade. For the intrepid traveler or investor willing to navigate Banjul's challenges, the city offers a window into The Gambia's rich cultural heritage. But for the average expat, the combination of environmental risks and administrative hurdles may prove too much to bear.