Toledo City, Philippines

With a population of 206,692, Toledo City is no rural backwater. The mining industry dominates the economy, churning out copper concentrate for export. But beneath the industrial veneer, bureaucracy is a persistent headache - the city was only granted a charter in 1960 after years of lobbying. And while the climate is tropical, natural disasters loom large, as evidenced by the devastating 1863 earthquakes that wiped out the original Hinulawan settlement. Overall, Toledo is best suited for those drawn to its strategic location and mining opportunities, rather than those seeking a quiet provincial lifestyle.