Santana do Ipanema, Brazil

With a population of just 36,088, this small municipality in western Alagoas is hardly a bustling metropolis. The area spans 438 square kilometers, suggesting ample space but limited economic opportunity. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as is the climate - the city sits on the banks of the Ipanema river, but the surrounding region can be oppressively hot and humid. For those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle away from the stresses of big city living, Santana do Ipanema could be a viable option. But it's a far cry from the glitz and glamor of Brazil's more famous destinations.