Guwahati, India

Capital City

Rapid population growth has turned Guwahati, India's fastest-growing city, into a chaotic urban sprawl. With a population of over 1.1 million projected to reach 1.5 million by 2035, the city struggles with collateral issues like rampant inflation and flooding. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the Guwahati Municipal Corporation juggles a budget of over $30 million and an area of over 200 square miles. Guwahati's rapid urbanization has led to the alteration of drainage channels and wetlands, exacerbating floods that can now strike after just half an hour of rain. For those who can navigate the challenges, Guwahati offers competitive residential and working environments, but it is not for the faint of heart.