Betim, Brazil

With a population of 170,934, Betim is hardly the quaint Brazilian town some romanticize. Home to major oil refineries and Fiat's largest factory, this industrial hub has an economy to match its gritty urban landscape. The climate is wet, with a staggering 268.5 mm of rainfall in the wettest month. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as one would expect in a city so central to the country's economy.

Betim is no tourist haven, but rather a pragmatic choice for those seeking manufacturing or refinery work. If you can tolerate the industrial vibe and heavy bureaucracy, it may be worth considering. Otherwise, this is not the Brazil most daydream about.