São Francisco do Conde, Brazil

This small municipality in rural Brazil is not for the faint of heart. With a population of just 20,238, São Francisco do Conde has the highest concentration of Afro-Brazilians (90%) in the state of Bahia. While the region's colonial history and cultural traditions may intrigue some, the persistent bureaucratic headaches and limited economic opportunities will be a turnoff for many expats. Remnants of the slave-based sugar plantations that once dominated the area provide a sobering historical backdrop, and the isolation from major urban centers is palpable. Those drawn to immerse themselves in Afro-Brazilian heritage and embrace a slower pace of life may find a home here, but most foreigners would be better off looking elsewhere.