Oued Zem, Morocco

With a population of just under 94,000, Oued Zem is a small Moroccan city known more for its phosphate mining than its charms. The legacy of French colonial rule still lingers, as evidenced by the city's infamous reputation as a hub for online financial scams and "sextortion" operations.

While the city boasts a scenic lake and some historical architecture, the climate can be unforgiving, with humidity from October to April followed by bone-dry conditions for the rest of the year. And for all its economic activity, Oued Zem remains a bureaucratic headache, with the city's revolutionary history still palpable in its strained relationship with the central government.

This is a no-frills city best suited for those drawn to its industrial energy and willing to navigate its persistent challenges.