Zawiya (Az-zawiyah), Libya

Capital City

With a population of 198,567, Zawiya is no quaint coastal town. This sprawling city in northwestern Libya has seen its fair share of turmoil, emerging as a key battleground during the first Libyan civil war. While it boasts a university and an oil refinery, the day-to-day reality is one of bureaucratic headaches and persistent security concerns.

Gaddafi's forces brutally cracked down on anti-government protests here in 2011, leaving the city "in ruins" according to witness accounts. Since then, rebel forces have engaged in guerrilla actions against the regime's soldiers, creating an unstable environment. Even simple tasks like crossing the city on the key highway can be fraught with risk.

Zawiya is not for the faint of heart. Its hot, semi-arid climate and volatile political situation make it a difficult place to call home, best suited for those with a high tolerance for bureaucracy and personal safety risks.