Maturin, Venezuela

Capital City

With a population of 753,254, Maturin is a bustling regional hub, but it's not for the faint of heart. The city's strategic position as a petroleum capital has fueled rapid growth in recent decades, yet it's also been hit hard by Venezuela's economic crisis. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the tropical savannah climate brings its own challenges. Still, for those undaunted by such realities, Maturin's role as a transportation nexus and center of higher education could make it an interesting option.