Vanderbijlpark, South Africa

Capital City

This industrial city of 95,840 residents on the Vaal River is no utopia. About 60% of the workforce toils in factories, while a corrupt local government has nearly bankrupted the place. The tax burden is heavy, and bureaucracy is a persistent headache for residents and investors alike. On the plus side, the architecture is a mix of European styles, and the surroundings offer some scenic appeal - if you can stomach the cold winters and hot summers. Overall, Vanderbijlpark seems best suited for die-hard industrialists and those willing to navigate its considerable challenges.