A hardship post in the United States Foreign Service is an overseas post where living conditions are difficult due to climate, crime, health care, pollution or other factors Employees assigned to such posts receive a hardship differential of between 10 and 35 percent of their salary. A hardship post with security issues, for example in a war zone, may also be a designated danger post with employees eligible for additional danger pay.

References

Hardship Posts for Beginners, Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide