Barretos, Brazil

With a population of just 95,414, Barretos is a small, provincial city that offers little to entice the average expat. The tertiary sector dominates the economy, accounting for over 72% of the GDP, while industry and agriculture make up the rest. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city's telecommunications handled by a patchwork of companies over the decades. And while the famous Festa do Peão de Barretos rodeo festival draws crowds annually, the cultural offerings beyond that appear limited. In short, Barretos is a sleepy outpost best suited for Brazilians seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle - not globe-trotting expats in search of excitement and opportunity.