Quality of Life
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Happy now?
Famous for its Gross National Happiness index, Bhutan has been a democracy for just over a year. Monocle talks to its prime minister about how times are changing in the Himalayan nation.
Secret treasures
These outposts may not score highly on the Monocle city metrics – they’re not very well connected for starters. But they all offer a quality of life we would recommend.
The world’s top 25 most liveable cities – 2009
Monocle’s researchers tested the world’s leading cities to find the best places to make your base. While Copenhagen won last year, the 2009 award for most liveable city goes to Zürich.
Ask the boss
What makes a city great for business? Is it parks and clean air or wi-fi and low corporate taxes? Monocle asks five corporate leaders where they enjoy setting up shop.
Shop idols
It can take just one retailer to unite a neighbourhood and restore a sense of old-fashioned community. Monocle has found 10 independent shops doing just that, from Barcelona to Tokyo.
Observation
An alluring first impression or a tempting parting glance? For Tyler Brûlé it was the latter, sparking dreams of relocating Monocle to Berlin and finding a perfect summer retreat in the German capital.
Asia
Why English-style village shops are popping up in rural China and how the hutongs of Beijing may be given a reprieve. Plus, the latest figures on who is living the longest.
Europe
Stockholm starts doing it for the kids, Helsinki talks rubbish, and Turkey stops smoking.
50 things to improve your life
Our 2009 global round-up of the people, pursuits, places and pets to improve the way you live, work, rest, commute and communicate.
Villa de Leyva
This small colonial town offers great opportunities for overseas buyers thanks to the ease and low cost of purchasing property. It is an enclave of painters, writers and drop-outs, who have flocked here.
