Pilão Arcado, Brazil

Forget the idyllic beaches and vibrant culture - the reality of living in this remote municipality is a far cry from the postcards. With a population of just 31,949 spread across over 4,500 square miles, Pilão Arcado has a population density of a mere 3 people per square kilometer. The region has a history of violent feuds, with open warfare breaking out between local families from 1842 to 1848. While the fighting has since ceased, bureaucratic headaches and isolation remain persistent issues for residents.

This sleepy corner of northeast Brazil is best suited for those seeking an off-the-grid existence, far from the crowds and amenities of the coast. But for most, the trade-offs of life in Pilão Arcado may simply be too much to bear.