Dengbu, China

With a population of just 63,814, Dengbu is a remote outpost where life moves at a glacial pace. The island was the site of a brief but brutal battle between the Nationalists and Communists in 1949, and the Kuomintang were eventually forced to withdraw in 1950 when the PLA gained air superiority. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache for residents, who must navigate the mainland government's control over this strategically important region.

Those seeking a quiet, isolated lifestyle may find Dengbu appealing, but the island's turbulent history and ongoing political tensions make it a poor choice for most expatriates.