Tete, Mozambique

Capital City

With a population of just 152,909, Tete is hardly the bustling metropolis many expats dream of. This sleepy provincial capital on the Zambezi River is a far cry from the glitzy coastal cities that usually attract foreigners to Mozambique.

The city's history as a Swahili trading post has given it some commercial importance, but the reality on the ground is one of persistent bureaucracy and a punishing semi-arid climate. Tete may be the site of key bridges linking Zimbabwe and Malawi, but its remoteness means it lacks the amenities and infrastructure of more developed urban centers.

Ultimately, Tete is a place best suited for those with a pioneering spirit and a high tolerance for administrative headaches. The average expat would be better off looking elsewhere in Mozambique.