Espírito Santo do Pinhal, Brazil

With a population of just 37,178, Espírito Santo do Pinhal is a sleepy outpost in the São Paulo interior. The town sits at an elevation of 870 meters, which can mean chilly, damp weather year-round. Telecommunications are handled by Vivo, a subsidiary of Spanish firm Telefónica, but bureaucracy is a persistent headache for residents. While the quiet pace of life may appeal to some, Espírito Santo do Pinhal is unlikely to satisfy urbanites seeking the comforts and conveniences of a major Brazilian city.