Morogoro, Tanzania

Capital City

With a population of 207,000, Morogoro is hardly the idyllic East African city some might imagine. While it boasts universities and medical facilities, the reality on the ground is one of persistent headaches - from water pollution and deforestation threatening the main dam, to the aftermath of a devastating 2019 fuel tanker explosion that killed 100 people. And as an agricultural hub, the tropical climate brings average highs over 90°F. For all its potential, Morogoro appears to be a challenging place to call home.

Those seeking a quiet, well-functioning city should look elsewhere. Morogoro is a gritty, hardscrabble town that demands resilience from its residents.