The Arctic Circle is fast becoming a focal point for business, global energy needs and a few ambitious diplomats too. Monocle finds out why its people are feeling on top of the world.

What lies beneath the surface of Greenland could bring enormous wealth to the island. But it threatens both the traditional way of life and the centuries-old link to Denmark.

Albania’s new prime minister has a daunting job on his hands. With unemployment levels at 12.8 per cent and corruption rife, the nation is ready for change – and the somewhat eccentric Edi Rama is ready to step up.

Monocle meets the foreign investors and returning natives making the most of a budding business market in Yangon, Asia’s new rising trade magnet.

Reopening this month after a lengthy renovation project, the Queens Museum of Art will feature its boldest and riskiest line-up since the 1990s. Plus some table tennis tournaments.

The Arctic Council has a somewhat informal approach to politics, but the challenges it faces are very real. Monocle joins a meeting and asks two foreign ministers how they balance economic and environmental interests.

Icebreaking is in the DNA of Finns, whose shipping heritage and expertise put it in good stead to face the changes ahead, from foreign competition to climate change and a race for the Arctic’s resources.

The intrepid team at Canadian radio and TV service CBC North report on everything from whale hunting to minus 40C weather conditions. Monocle braves the harsh terrain to meet them at their headquarters in Yellowknife.

From music to radio dramas to art exhibitions, the nations of the North are exploring their own cultural identities while making the world sit up and take notice. Monocle takes a look at what some of them have to offer.

Building in an environment where temperatures drop to minus 30C is no easy thing. But in Svalbard, where the unique developments vary from the tent-like science centre to the charming multicoloured ‘spisshus’ houses, architects embrace the challenge.

Gander International Airport in Canada was once the largest and most stylish airport in the world, where locals mingled with celebrities. Today it faces a battle to hold on to its glamorous reputation – and its passenger numbers.

There was a time when a trip to the chilly climes of the north promised frostbite and, potentially, mortal peril. Now you can land at a refurbished airport, check into a boutique hotel and sightsee in a hot-air balloon.

What the president of the Sami parliament wears, what Iceland's foreign minister thinks and why Italian senators are doing as the Romans did.

Swapping rum for wine in the Dominican Republic, bidding for the Olympics in Anchorage and going long-haul with Alaska'a senator.

"Resource diplomacy" in Japan, getting Mao for your money in China and why Singapore is looking north.

The flight path from Nairobi to Guangzhou and Lebanon's tourism troubles.

Renewing urban Australia, choosing a new Aussie Governor-general and saving Tonga's tourism.

As parts of the Arctic become increasingly ice-free and its role as a valuable commodity is realised, questions of ownership are spurring a bigger military presence in the region. But the ‘Arctic Five’ insist any competition will be amicable.

An interview with Afghanistan's representatives to the UN, a report on British diplomacy in Latin America and why ties are growing between Chile and Finland.

Chopper charters in the frozen north, making cookies for China and radar technology in Canada.

Music, books, films and exhibitions to watch out for plus an interview with doc maker Sebastian Junger.

A new gallery for installation artists in Auckland, a post-war art sale in Stockholm and an interview with collector Nicoletta Fiorucci.

A look at media up north, including the Arctic Journal and Swedish art magazine Artlover.

Knits, hats, gloves, backpacks — everything you need for an Arctic winter, plus retailers and labels to watch

The restaurants and food-producers on our radar this month, plus our "star dish" of beef tartare.

For someone who’s soon going to be delivering billions of presents, travelling more than 175 million miles and eating around two billion mince pies – all in one night – Santa Claus looks in great shape when Monocle meets him at his home.

Royal Copenhagen is one of the world’s oldest companies and Flora Danica porcelain is its flagship product. Handpainting the delicate dinner set is an art that takes years of intensive training. We meet the master and her apprentice.

What's on our wish list this month, including a sturdy briefcase and a warming toddy.

Passengers are merely one part of the equation for this Arctic airline: connecting isolated communities and ferrying food and fuel are just as high on the agenda.

Nordnes, in central Bergen, is attracting a new generation of creative types – who don’t mind a lack of private space.

Stockholm used to be a conservative culinary destination, filled with fancy restaurants and overcomplicated cuisine. That was until locals in need of a more laidback atmosphere raised their voices (and cutlery) clamoring for a place where they could grab a quick bite and a coffee to go. Luckily a new generation of food entrepreneurs have answered their call and met their demands with big-scale, clever-format enterprises.

Renowned designer Sergio Rodrigues views restaurants as theatres, where atmosphere is as key as food. His ‘last meal’ would be a beef fillet at Gero.

Alaska’s 50-year-old, state-run ferry system is not a profit-maker. But for the people who use it, it is as important as the police or fire service. Monocle climbs aboard.

As the Monocle team takes to the road again, thoughts are turning to new projects for the year ahead, writes Tyler Brûlé.