Guaíra, Brazil

The population of 39,279 may seem modest, but Guaíra, Brazil is no sleepy backwater. The former home of the mighty Guaíra Falls, now submerged by the Itaipu Dam, this city still grapples with the fallout from its dramatic transformation. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the local government scrambles to manage the artificial lake that replaced the iconic natural wonder. And for those seeking to explore the area, access can be a challenge - a tragic bridge collapse in 1982 cut off a popular viewing spot just before the falls disappeared forever.

Guaíra is a city in transition, shaped by both man-made and natural forces. Those drawn to its rugged beauty and unique history may find it a rewarding, if at times frustrating, place to call home.