Arcoverde, Brazil

With a population of just 55,776, Arcoverde is a sleepy backwater far from Brazil's glitz and glamor. The city sits 256 km west of the state capital Recife, making it an isolated outpost with a primary economy centered around basic commerce and services. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as Arcoverde is the 22nd most populous municipality in Pernambuco and the third largest in the Sertão Pernambucano region. The hot, dry climate is also a challenge. This town is best suited for those seeking a simple, affordable life far from the madding crowd.