Colonia, Uruguay

Capital City

With a population of just 26,231, Colonia del Sacramento is a sleepy backwater on the Rio de la Plata. While its historic quarter may be a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the reality is that this town offers little economic opportunity beyond a free trade zone and a polytechnic center. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city changing hands between Spanish, Portuguese, and Uruguayan rule over the centuries. And with an average annual rainfall of over 40 inches and a subtropical climate prone to frequent frosts and fog, the weather can be a damp disappointment. Ultimately, Colonia is best suited for retirees seeking a peaceful, low-cost respite - not ambitious professionals looking to advance their careers.