Ben Arous, Tunisia

Capital City

With a population of just 88,322, Ben Arous is a compact industrial hub that lacks the allure of Tunisia's more famous coastal cities. As a former French protectorate, the city retains a legacy of bureaucratic red tape that can be a persistent headache for newcomers. Though once known for its agricultural bounty, today Ben Arous is primarily an industrial zone, home to food and railway factories rather than vineyards and orchards. For those seeking an authentic Tunisian experience, the city may disappoint - but for those content with a pragmatic, no-frills lifestyle, it could be a viable option.