Juruti, Brazil

With a population of just 23,262, Juruti is a small, remote city in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. The arrival of a massive Alcoa bauxite mine has brought some economic activity, but the persistent bureaucratic headaches and isolation of living here are not for the faint of heart. The city is served by a tiny airport, but navigating the local government's red tape is a constant challenge. Unless you're drawn to working in the mining industry or have a deep appreciation for life off the grid, Juruti is unlikely to meet the expectations of most would-be expats.