Badajoz, Spain

Capital City

With only 150,209 residents, Badajoz is a relatively small Spanish city, but don't let its modest size fool you - this border town has a complicated history and an economy heavily reliant on trade with Portugal. The tax burden is heavy, and the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache, but the city's Mediterranean climate brings hot summers that can reach over 40°C. While Badajoz's museums and historic architecture offer cultural attractions, the sacking of the city during the Napoleonic Wars is a sobering reminder of its tumultuous past. Overall, this frontier outpost is best suited for those drawn to its strategic location and willing to navigate its administrative challenges.