Ksar El Kebir, Morocco

With a population of 124,701, Ksar El Kebir is no small-town backwater. This regional agricultural hub in northwestern Morocco provides nearly 20% of the country's sugar needs, but its bureaucratic hassles and susceptibility to flooding are persistent headaches for residents. The city's reputation for arts and sports may impress, but the realities of daily life here are a far cry from the cultural prestige. For those seeking an authentic Moroccan experience outside the tourist hubs, Ksar El Kebir could be an option, but the challenges of living in this regional center are not to be taken lightly.