Baghdad, Iraq

Capital City

Life in the Iraqi capital is not for the faint of heart. With a population of 7.22 million, Baghdad generates 40% of the country's GDP but faces a heavy tax burden and rampant bureaucracy. The city's harsh desert climate, with scorching summers and mild winters, is a persistent headache. And while religious tourism has seen a revival since 2003, Baghdad still grapples with sporadic violence and terrorist threats. This chaotic, complex metropolis is best suited for those with a high tolerance for uncertainty and a strong stomach.