Marituba, Brazil

Forget the postcard images - life in this tiny municipality of just 98,746 people is a daily grind. Marituba is the smallest city in all of northern Brazil, which means navigating a persistent bureaucratic headache is par for the course. If you can stomach the relentless paperwork, the upside is a lower cost of living compared to Brazil's megacities. But don't expect much in the way of amenities or entertainment - this is a no-frills kind of place. Marituba is best suited for those seeking an affordable toehold in the Amazon region, but you'll need to be self-sufficient and have a high tolerance for red tape.