Basra, Iraq

Capital City

With a population of 1,326,564, Basra is Iraq's economic and industrial capital - but that comes at a cost. This port city on the Persian Gulf is consistently one of the hottest places on Earth, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 50°C. The bureaucracy is also a persistent headache, with the city's infrastructure struggling to keep up with rapid growth. And while Basra was the first city captured during the 2003 invasion, it has endured waves of violence and unrest ever since. For all its strategic importance, this city is best suited for those with a high tolerance for heat, red tape, and the occasional security threat.