Guelmim, Morocco

With a population of just 448,685, this sleepy Moroccan backwater is hardly the stuff of expat dreams. The region's economy revolves around fishing and burgeoning beach tourism, but the bureaucracy is a persistent headache. Guelmim-Oued Noun's remote location on the edge of the Sahara means infrastructure is limited, with only two small airports serving the area. For the intrepid adventurer seeking an authentic Moroccan experience, Guelmim may hold some appeal. But for most, the trade-offs simply outweigh the benefits.