As Samawah, Iraq

Capital City

With a population of just 215,000, As Samawah may seem like a sleepy backwater, but the reality is far from tranquil. The city has seen its fair share of unrest, from prison camps to militia clashes. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the local TV station's infamous "Robin Hood" stunt to broadcast the World Cup without a license. And the scorching desert climate, with an average annual temperature of 24°C, is no picnic. For those undeterred by these challenges, As Samawah offers opportunities in agriculture, industry, and a lively arts scene - but it's certainly not for the faint of heart.