Natal, Brazil

Capital City

With just over 700,000 residents, Natal may be the second smallest state capital in Brazil, but the population density is high at over 4,000 people per square kilometer. The subtropical climate brings relentless heat and humidity all year, though the near-constant ocean breezes offer some relief. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with mayors appointed by the state governor rather than directly elected until the 1980s. However, the city's prime location on the Atlantic coast and reputation as the "Space Capital of Brazil" have made it a magnet for tourism, attracting both domestic and international visitors lured by the stunning beaches, sand dunes, and rocket launches. Natal's mix of sun, sand, and samba may be ideal for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path Brazilian getaway.