Grums, Sweden

With just 8,854 residents, Grums is a sleepy backwater at the edge of Lake Vänern. The town was cobbled together in 1971 from a few smaller entities, and its political scene remains fractious - the local Grums Citizen's Party has been a persistent thorn in the side of city hall since the 1990s. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as Grums struggles to coordinate services across its disparate communities. On the plus side, the town's forest industry heritage is proudly displayed on the municipal coat of arms. For those seeking a quiet, low-key life in rural Sweden, Grums may fit the bill. But for the average urban-minded expat, this town offers little in the way of excitement or opportunity.