Jaíba, Brazil

With a population of just 39,639, Jaíba is a sleepy agricultural backwater in the northern reaches of Minas Gerais. The economy revolves around cattle ranching and crops like bananas, citrus, and beans, but the region's modest development is evident in the mere 186 tractors servicing over 118,000 hectares of farmland. Healthcare options are limited to 12 public clinics and a single 25-bed hospital. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city ranking a dismal 3,746 out of 5,138 municipalities nationwide for human development. Those seeking a laidback, rural lifestyle may find Jaíba to their liking, but the lack of modern amenities and infrastructure means it's hardly an appealing option for most.