Minna, Nigeria

Capital City

With a population of 322,163, Minna is no small backwater. But behind the bustling facade lies a persistent bureaucratic headache and an oppressive climate that will test the mettle of any would-be expat.

The city's rich cultural heritage, from ancient Saharan trade routes to modern-day Sharia law, can feel suffocating at times. Pollution and disease are also ever-present concerns, with improper waste disposal contributing to outbreaks of malaria, yellow fever, and Lassa fever.

Those seeking a quiet, pastoral life may want to look elsewhere - Minna is a gritty, industrial hub better suited for the thick-skinned professional than the faint of heart.