Sete Lagoas, Brazil

With a population of just 144,014, Sete Lagoas is a modest Brazilian city far from the glitz of Rio or São Paulo. The local economy is centered around services, industry, and some agriculture, generating a GDP of R$2.8 billion as of 2005. However, the bureaucratic headaches are persistent, with the city home to no less than six private universities catering to the educational needs of its residents. Sete Lagoas' climate is moderate, with average temperatures ranging from 17.5°C in July to 23°C in February, though the region has seen record lows as cold as 0.8°C. For those seeking an affordable, low-key alternative to Brazil's major metros, Sete Lagoas could be a sensible option, but the relentless paperwork may prove a turnoff for the uninitiated.