Ibitinga, Brazil

The population of 60,033 people may seem modest, but life in Ibitinga is far from sleepy. This municipality in São Paulo state has transformed itself from an agricultural backwater into the "Embroidery National Capital", with a booming textile industry that employs much of the local workforce. However, don't expect a smooth ride - the bureaucracy around telecommunications is a persistent headache, with the city's telecom provider changing hands multiple times over the decades.

For those with a knack for textiles and a tolerance for red tape, Ibitinga could be an intriguing option. The combination of an established embroidery trade and growing tourism industry offers opportunities, though the quiet, inland location means it may not suit all expats' tastes.