The Pearl-Qatar, Qatar

Living in The Pearl-Qatar means dealing with a population of 2.6 million, over 90% of whom are expatriate workers. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with strict rules on residency and employment. The scorching weather means you'll be living in an air-conditioned bubble most of the time. However, the country's vast wealth has funded world-class infrastructure, from the Doha Metro to the artificial islands of The Pearl itself. If you're a well-paid professional looking for a tax haven with modern amenities, this glitzy enclave may be for you. But for the average person, the tradeoffs of living in Qatar likely outweigh the benefits.