Itamaraju, Brazil

With a population of just 64,308, Itamaraju is a sleepy municipality in Brazil's impoverished northeast. The town's name, meaning "rock of the trees of Jucuruçu," hints at its rural, forested setting. However, residents face a persistent bureaucratic headache, as Itamaraju only gained municipal autonomy from the neighboring town of Prado in 1961 after years of political wrangling.

The history of Itamaraju's founding is no less convoluted. It was originally part of the territory of Prado, a coastal settlement first documented by Portuguese explorer Pedro Alvares Cabral in 1500. The two towns remained intertwined for over 60 years before finally separating. This tangled past underscores the region's challenges in building a distinct civic identity.

Overall, Itamaraju is best suited for those seeking an affordable, low-key lifestyle in Brazil's interior, though the town's remote location and bureaucratic baggage are not for the faint of heart.