São Francisco, Brazil

With a population of just 52,762, São Francisco is a small, isolated outpost along the vast São Francisco River. The region's arid hinterland and limited infrastructure mean this town offers little in the way of creature comforts or economic opportunity. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the river's unpredictable flows have decimated the once-thriving passenger boat industry. While the dramatic canyons and river lore hold appeal for adventurous tourists, São Francisco is a tough sell for most would-be expats.