Votuporanga, Brazil

With a population of just 66,166, Votuporanga is a sleepy backwater, far removed from the glitz of São Paulo. The city's economy is dominated by small and medium-sized furniture companies, employing around 15,000 locals. While the 'City of Soft Breezes' boasts a vibrant nightlife, bureaucracy is a persistent headache - the town only gained municipal status in 1945. For those seeking an authentic slice of rural Brazil, Votuporanga may fit the bill, but it's unlikely to appeal to big-city expats.