Punto Fijo, Venezuela

Capital City

With a population of 287,558, Punto Fijo is the largest city in Falcón State, Venezuela, but its oil refinery economy and arid climate make it a tough sell for many would-be expats. The city's sweltering year-round temperatures and meager 7 inches of annual rainfall - just a third of what nearby Maracaibo and Riohacha receive - create an unforgiving environment. And while Punto Fijo boasts the world's second-largest oil refinery complex, the bureaucracy around its free trade zone and other investments can be a persistent headache. For those undeterred by the heat and red tape, Punto Fijo's strategic location on the Paraguaná Peninsula and access to the petroleum industry may hold appeal, but it's hardly an obvious choice for the average American looking to start a new life abroad.