Barra do Corda, Brazil

With a population of just 90,820, Barra do Corda is a small and isolated municipality in northeastern Brazil's Maranhão state. The climate and geography provide little to attract expats, and the city's higher education options are limited to a single theology institute. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as it is across much of Brazil. This sleepy outpost is best suited for those seeking a quiet, provincial life off the beaten path - but most international residents will find it lacks the amenities and opportunities of Brazil's major urban centers.