Juara, Brazil

Living in Juara is a grind. With a population of just 21,712, this remote outpost in Mato Grosso is a far cry from the bustling metropolises of Rio or São Paulo. The economy is propped up by waning timber extraction, cattle rearing, and agriculture - hardly a recipe for prosperity. To make matters worse, the nearest major city, Cuiabá, is a grueling 12-hour bus ride away. Many young people have already fled, seeking better educational and job opportunities in Sinop or Cuiabá. For those willing to tough out the isolation and lack of amenities, Juara may offer a quiet, rural lifestyle. But for most, this sleepy "Cattle Capital" is best avoided.