When we think about 21st-century Europe, we think about Germany. But our picture of the character and global outlook of the country can often be shaped by outdated notions. Here, Monocle crosses the real Germany and disc…

In a globalised market flooded with faux-artisan branding, real craftsmen are endangered. But in Kyoto, where tradition rules, a new initiative is refreshing generations-old techniques to bring Japanese craft to a worldwide…

Finland’s icebreakers are crucial for keeping the Baltic Sea navigable and its ports open. Captain Tommy Berg is at the helm of the MSV Fennica. He says keeping the ship on the right course is ultimately a team effort.

The streets are immaculate, the inhabitants are blonde and the local beer is exceptional. Welcome to Brazil’s ‘little Germany’.

Deutsche Welle broadcasts TV and radio and in 30 languages worldwide. Established in 1953, today the public broadcaster is more important than ever – as a tool for public diplomacy.

A restaurant in central Hamburg has been pleasing guests with its homely cooking for more than 20 years.

Gender equality is on the to-do list in France, local food is on the table in Helsinki, and holiday homes are on the shopping list in Switzerland

Books, films and music to make a date for.

Our favourite cookware, products and restaurants plus news from the food and drink industry.

The city of Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan is considerably more relaxed than the capital Taipei. But behind city hall doors, a formidable team is seeing through some ambitious plans.

The world of mags, print and photography

While the woodworking firms and lumber yards of northern Japan have been in decline, wooden-toy brand Mastro Geppetto is thriving.

Think you’ve got the measure of the Haribo gummy bear? Think again. Behind that loveable face is a company that buys out rivals and takes its competitors to court. And we bet you didn’t know what country he’s from…

An interview with Berlin gallerist Johann König plus art sale hightlights.

Creative industries and individuals from near and far are flocking to the renovated factories and warehouses of Collingwood.

What's on the Mexican president's tarmac, who's nuts for Brazil and why cars are too quiet in America.

Munich’s reputation rests largely on history, luxury and beer. But for 2013, the Bavarian city is setting a new focus, on public art. It has invited an outside force – artist duo Elmgreen + Dragset – to playfully carry out…

Renowned curator Klaus Biesenbach used to live on chocolate bars; thankfully he has something more refined in mind for his ‘last meal’.

We put Burma's president Thein Sein under the sartorial spotlight. We also find out why Taiwan is making more babies and get the latest on the Malaysian elections

BAU is the world’s largest fair for the construction and architecture industries while also being a dream getaway for home handymen. From grand designs to garden sheds, Monocle visits the design world’s most no-nonsense…

A new food hall in an old ironworks is helping change the face of both the docklands and the city’s food scene.