Affairs
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Expo 19: The good life
We celebrate three close-knit communities in Tokyo, Istanbul and a mountain town in Italy. Due to design, history or geography, these places have what it takes for an easy-going and cosy way of life.
We bring you joy
Every new year needs a fresh manifesto. We’ve developed a pick and mix of ideas for a happy 2009, from building a cellar to finding a conference you actually want to attend.
Vive la révolution
Change is in the air on Paris's Left Bank. On rue de Seine, fashion boutiques, restaurants and food outlets have breathed new life into the area, creating a new buzz about the place.
New designs on diplomacy
Post September 11 every embassy was built as a bunker ready to repel all comers. But now, from Kathmandu to Harare, architects are reinventing the mission as a national calling card. Robert Bound reports.
To russia with love
Following the Georgian war, the breakaway territory of Abkhazia has been recognised by Russia. Now, despite limited credibility, it wants the trappings of statehood, from embassies to a state airline.
Pipe dreams
In Canada’s far north, the frontier lifestyle is alive in Yellowknife. First they struck gold, then diamonds, and now gas. Today, those frontier folk are just as likely to be from Somalia.
Americas
"Style Leader" Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez dresses down, trams roll in to LA, and eight Barack Obamas run for elections in Brazil.
Press for change
Mauricio Funes has given up his career as a TV journalist to become president of El Salvador. Ahead in the polls, he’s the new face of the FMLN, a former left-wing guerrilla group.
