São Mateus do Maranhão, Brazil

Living in São Mateus do Maranhão means being surrounded by vast wetlands and protected ecosystems. The Baixada Maranhense Environmental Protection Area dominates the landscape, offering a unique natural backdrop but also limiting urban development. This isn’t a bustling city—it’s a small, rural municipality where daily life revolves around agriculture and conservation.

Expats here need to be self-sufficient. Infrastructure is basic, and services like healthcare and internet are limited compared to larger Brazilian cities. The Ramsar Site designation highlights the area’s ecological importance, but it also means strict regulations on land use. If you’re looking for a quiet, nature-focused lifestyle and don’t mind trading convenience for tranquility, this could work. But if you need amenities or a vibrant expat community, look elsewhere.