Barras, Brazil

With a population of just under 48,000, Barras is a sleepy backwater that offers little in the way of economic opportunity or modern amenities. The airport here sees no scheduled commercial flights, and the city center is a mere 3 kilometers away - hardly the international hub one might expect. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as this remote outpost is plagued by the same red tape that strangles much of Brazil. While the climate is likely pleasant, the isolation and lack of infrastructure make Barras a poor choice for all but the most adventurous expats seeking an off-the-grid lifestyle.