Sabha, Libya

Capital City

This desert oasis in southwest Libya is no paradise. With a scorching climate reaching 40°C in summer and just 8.2mm of annual rainfall, Sabha's harsh environment is a constant challenge. The city's history as a slave trading hub has also left a dark legacy - while reports of public slave auctions were exaggerated, the National Commission for Human Rights confirmed illegal slavery persists. And as the capital of the turbulent Fezzan region, Sabha has seen its share of political instability, with forces loyal to rival factions vying for control. For all its rugged beauty, this remote Saharan outpost is better suited to adventurous spirits than those seeking a comfortable expat life.