Birigui, Brazil

With a population of just 75,125, Birigui is a sleepy outpost in the São Paulo state. The city's primary claim to fame is its children's footwear industry, which employs over 19,000 workers and produces 58.2 million pairs of shoes annually. However, the relentless bureaucracy and stifling subtropical climate are persistent headaches for residents. Birigui is best suited for those seeking a quiet, manufacturing-focused existence far from the bustle of Brazil's major cities.