Latakia, Syria

Capital City

The port city of Latakia has a population of 709,000, but its bureaucratic headaches and occasional bouts of unrest make it a challenging place to call home. While the city boasts a scenic Mediterranean coastline and a storied history dating back to the 4th century BC, its residents must contend with a heavy tax burden and the lingering fallout from Syria's civil war. The climate is also a mixed bag, with hot, humid summers and cool, wet winters that bring over 760mm of rainfall annually. Despite its charms, Latakia is best suited for those with a high tolerance for administrative hassles and the ability to weather the city's occasional political turbulence.