Santo Antônio do Descoberto, Brazil

With a population of just 35,509, Santo Antônio do Descoberto is a sleepy agricultural hub in central Brazil, far from the glitz of Rio or São Paulo. The economy revolves around cattle, crops like rice and sugarcane, and modest public administration - not exactly a bustling metropolis. And while the town's waterfalls and spiritualist community may attract some tourists, the adult literacy rate lags the national average, and the human development index ranks a dismal 199th out of 242 municipalities in the state. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with just two financial institutions serving the entire area. For those seeking an authentic, low-key slice of provincial Brazil, Santo Antônio could be worth a look. But for most, the remote location and sleepy vibe will likely prove a turn-off.