Jardinópolis, Brazil

With a population of just 24,123, Jardinópolis is a small, sleepy outpost in the outskirts of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo. While it may be known as an important mango distribution hub, the town's remote location and religious festivals suggest a fairly provincial way of life. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the town's mayor and local officials likely playing an outsized role in daily affairs. Those seeking an authentic Brazilian experience beyond the tourist hubs may find Jardinópolis appealing, but it's hardly the cosmopolitan escape many expats crave.