Curvelo, Brazil

The population of Curvelo is just 59,015, far smaller than the 80,616 figure the city touts. But with that comes a heavy bureaucracy that's a persistent headache for residents. The economy depends mainly on services and agriculture, though the charcoal industry has wreaked ecological havoc. Health and education facilities are limited, with just 157 hospital beds and modest literacy rates compared to the rest of Brazil. Curvelo may appeal to those seeking a quieter, more rural lifestyle, but the trade-offs are significant.