Surabaya, Indonesia

Capital City

With a population of 3,018,022 as of 2024, Surabaya is a sprawling metropolis that's not for the faint of heart. The city's rapid growth has outpaced its infrastructure, leading to notorious traffic jams that are a "persistent headache" for residents. And while the government has made Surabaya one of the cleanest and greenest cities in Indonesia, certain neighborhoods remain disorganized. The tax burden is also heavy, as Surabaya is a major financial and commercial hub. Still, the city's status as an educational and economic powerhouse makes it an attractive destination for ambitious strivers seeking opportunity - if they can tolerate the occasional dose of bureaucratic red tape.