Economy
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Welcome home
From fashion to toys, outsourced production lines are closing as companies rediscover local industries. This shift brings benefits to individual companies and suggests that not every western nation must be a service economy.
Oceania
The French flock to Pacific colony New Caledonia and Asian students shun Australian universities.
Shifting sands
After President Niyazov’s death, his successor promised to open Turkmenistan up. But the gas-rich nation is still an enigma. Monocle entered the country to see what, if anything, has changed.
Canal plus
Thousands of Venezuelans have fled to Panama, which is attracting everyone from US retirees to multinationals and emerging as Latin America’s most vibrant and strategic centre.
No flour, no power
Despite healthy economic growth, Pakistan is in the grip of a food and fuel crisis. With two thirds of Pakistanis earning under $2 a day, the country's situation is dire.
Taking account
Three influential economists offer their predictions for 2008. Topics include the pressure on economies with ageing workforces, the importance of working with China and the rise of sovereign wealth funds in Asia.
Five alive
Which territories are due their turn in the international spotlight? Monocle reveals five areas – from an EU island nation to a sprawling South American state – set to make headlines.
Surfing safari
Rwanda’s capital Kigali is fast becoming East Africa’s communications hub. Foreign investment and a culture of anti-corruption are behind the boom. Monocle watches a city log on.
Africa/Middle East
Walid Ataya left Lebanon for a lucrative job in Dubai but returned a year later. After housing and school fees, the lawyer had less disposable income than he had in Beirut.
