Nara, Mali

Nara is a remote town in southwestern Mali, about 230 miles from the capital Bamako. The rural commune covers 500 square miles and is home to just under 20,000 people. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the town serving as the administrative center for the surrounding Nara Cercle region. The climate is not mentioned, but the town's location near the Mauritanian border suggests a challenging environment. Overall, Nara is a tough sell for all but the most adventurous expats.