Barinas, Venezuela

The state of Barinas covers 35,200 sq km and had an estimated population of 970,689 in 2015. While the landscape offers a contrast of mountains, plains, and rivers, the bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the state constitution requiring complex procedures to amend. The climate is hot and humid, with the characteristic "Barinese wind" blowing in from the Mérida mountain range. Overall, Barinas caters more to intrepid nature lovers than those seeking a comfortable urban lifestyle.