Affairs
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Life lines
Sudanese-born Mo Ibrahim launched the UK’s first mobile network before founding telecom giant Celtel in Africa. Now, he faces a bigger challenge: promoting good governance on the continent.
Finn blue line
The Åland archipelago in Scandinavia is a model harmonious ‘nation’ without full independence. Prosperous and Swedish-speaking, these Finnish islanders were happy until the EU arrived, challenging their unique arrangement and way of life.
Observation
The Unravelled Kingdom: We turn our attention to the UK's national brand, a topic close to Monocle HQ, examining its current state as issues of nation building and branding come to the fore.
Running costs
Forefoot striking is the style of most professional runners, yet big brands emphasise the heel. A tiny Colorado trainer company is proving that the big boys need to stay on their toes.
Bloom town
We visit the Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer, one of the world’s biggest flower auctions, to meet the companies behind the scenes of this multi-billion-euro industry that handles 20 million cut flowers every day.
Inventory No. 6
Wooden toys for the boys, skin treats and feel the Sap rising with some Scandinavian fizz.
But who are you?
As corporate brands become more powerful than countries, there's much work for agencies keen to rethink a nation’s identity. *Monocle* explores the complex construct of how nations are made.
Country codes
Brand pioneer Wally Olins gives an insight into how nation branding works. From Spain's vibrant colours to Poland's shades of grey, he explains why every country should have a creative director.
