Bushehr, Iran

Capital City

With a population of 223,504, Bushehr is a bustling port city, but one that offers few appealing amenities for the average expat. The town's strategic location has made it a hub for trade and military activity over the centuries, yet it remains marred by drawbacks like salty well water, unbearable summer heat, and vulnerability to pirate incursions.

While Bushehr's status as the main commercial port of Iran may be enticing, the city's bureaucracy is a persistent headache. Docking ships around 4 kilometers offshore and transferring freight and passengers by small boat due to the shallow bay is just one example of the logistical challenges.

Bushehr is best suited for those with a high tolerance for administrative hurdles and a penchant for remote, rugged outposts - not the average family seeking an easy transition abroad.