Conakry, Guinea

Capital City

At over 2 million residents, this overcrowded port city is a far cry from the sleek, modern African capitals many expats dream of. The population has boomed since independence, straining Conakry's aging infrastructure to the breaking point - power and water cuts are a daily headache. And with a concentration camp like Camp Boiro located here under the former regime, the city's human rights record is hardly spotless. While Conakry serves as Guinea's economic and cultural center, its small land area and isolation make it a poor fit for those seeking the comforts of home. This gritty, chaotic city is best suited for the adventurous few.