Assis Chateaubriand, Brazil

With a population of just 36,808, Assis Chateaubriand is hardly the bustling metropolis you might expect from Brazil. This sleepy backwater was the domain of the notorious media mogul Francisco de Assis Chateaubriand, a man known for his ruthless business tactics and lack of scruples. While Chateaubriand amassed a vast media empire, the city itself remains plagued by bureaucratic headaches - he was even accused of blackmailing local businesses to boost his profits. If you're seeking the vibrant energy of a major Brazilian city, Assis Chateaubriand is likely not the place for you.