São Cristóvão, Brazil

Capital City

With a population of just 47,558, São Cristóvão is a sleepy backwater that offers little to modern residents. The city's colonial-era architecture and religious sites may impress tourists, but its economy remains centered on the sugar industry, and the relocation of the state capital to Aracaju in 1855 left São Cristóvão in "slow decay" with numerous abandoned buildings. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the city's remote location, nearly 20 miles from the coast, means access to amenities and services can be a challenge. Unless you have a deep appreciation for Brazil's colonial history or a fondness for isolated small-town living, São Cristóvão is unlikely to meet the needs of most prospective residents.