Tubarão, Brazil

With a population of just 95,062, Tubarão is a small, relatively sleepy city that offers little to get excited about for most expats. The main economic drivers are agriculture, furniture manufacturing, and ceramic tiles - not exactly the vibrant industries that lure global talent. And while the subtropical climate may sound appealing, the region is prone to natural disasters, as evidenced by the devastating 1974 flood that killed 199 and left 45,000 homeless.

Tubarão's remote location, 133 kilometers south of the state capital Florianópolis, means bureaucracy and red tape are a persistent headache for residents. The city does have some sporting and cultural attractions, like the local football clubs and a museum honoring a German-born painter. But overall, this unremarkable municipality is best suited for retirees or those seeking a very low-key, provincial lifestyle in southern Brazil.