Surat, India

Capital City

Forget the hype - Surat is a sprawling commercial hub with 5.9 million residents, not a relaxing tourist destination. The city is a major center for diamond cutting and textiles, but bureaucratic headaches and a history of devastating floods are the realities for those who call it home. Despite recent clean-up efforts, Surat's persistent challenges with sanitation and public safety make it best suited for determined entrepreneurs rather than the average expat.