Baabda, Lebanon

Capital City

Baabda is the seat of Lebanon's government, but living there is a bureaucratic slog. Christians make up over 75% of registered voters, with Maronites being the largest group at 59%. Muslims, mostly Sunnis, account for just 24%. The city is home to many foreign embassies, as well as the Ministry of Defense, but the presidential palace has seen its share of turmoil, with an interim prime minister taking up residence in 1988 and facing a Syrian attack two years later. Safety can be a persistent headache. For those willing to navigate the red tape and occasional unrest, Baabda may hold appeal, but it's hardly a carefree expat haven.