Cubatão, Brazil

With a population of just 91,136, Cubatão is a gritty industrial hub that hardly meets the idyllic tropical paradise many imagine when moving to Brazil. The city hosts oil refineries, steel mills, and fertilizer plants, making it one of the most polluted areas in the country - a persistent headache for residents. While efforts have been made to clean up the environment, the damage to the soil and groundwater is irreversible, and large industries continue to contribute to the problem. For those seeking an authentic, no-frills Brazilian experience, Cubatão may be the right fit, but it's certainly not a destination for the faint of heart.