Aracaju, Brazil

Capital City

With a population of just 461,083, Aracaju is a small capital city - hardly the glitzy metropolis some may envision for Brazil. The economy is largely service and industry-based, and the city has attracted investment from Eastern Europe and China in recent years. However, the reality is that Aracaju's bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and it has one of the highest murder rates in the world at 63 per 100,000 residents, ranking 12th globally. While the city touts itself as a low-cost tourist destination, the combination of red tape and safety concerns makes Aracaju a better fit for those seeking an affordable Brazilian getaway than permanent relocation.