Time for a new bureau, we thought. But with so many great places to choose from, where would prove to be the perfect fit? It’s been a tough decision process but now our editor in chief can reveal the city that’s won us over...

Fear of a mirthless retail future, media in Marrakech, pigeons in Aarhus and the FCC in HK: an appealing assortment from all corners of the world.

With Finland’s love of libraries well established, we head to a Helsinki haunt that typifies the country’s bookish ways.

Once a twinkle in Hong Kong’s eye, its festive obsession has grown into an all-out spectacle.

For Lebanese rockers Mashrou’ Leila, a trusted crew is vital to make sure their music is heard over the controversy.

Lorin Stein, critic and editor, on his default setting – reading – and why he’s more committed to ‘The Paris Review’ than ever.

From a state-of-the-art concert hall to an international court and the murkiest waters of diplomacy, we meet the leaders who trust their instincts in tricky times.

Our annual survey of the nations that best use their gentler sides to get things done.

The former Brazilian president was a phenomenon before his fall from grace. But with elections approaching, is there one more twist in the tale of Lula?

Malaysia’s sporting MP and why small states should always behave like small states (apparently).

Checking in with the ambassador in Rome, why Japan is looking to Latin America and the art of the ambassadorial Christmas card.

The Afghan airforce’s new Black Hawk helicopters and a sartorial shift for the US army.

Zürich is considering artificial islands to house its growing population and there’s a global push to unearth forgotten rivers.

Perched above the clouds, tiny San Marino has no airport or railway station but it does have 17 centuries of national history. With its bird’s-eye view of the world, its aloof attitude to foreign affairs is understandable – but this doesn’t mean the small country isn’t interested in having a big voice on the world stage.

For the world’s biggest trolley-maker, online retail isn’t a problem – it’s a challenge. Meet Wanzl, a company that knows what direction it’s heading in.

The special ingredient behind this US food empire? Mix in a dollop of anarchy, says its co-founder.

A former construction yard has been brought back to life by businesses that are working together to grow – quite literally.

Christmas markets are a regular fixture of the festive season – but in Mitteleuropa they’re also big business.

Curzon CEO Philip Knatchbull has been key to bringing arthouse distribution up to speed and on-demand. But he hasn’t forgotten the magic of the big screen, delivering gracefully designed cinema spaces that celebrate the shared experience of film.

A new emporium for Japanese crafts in Singapore, a Czech glassware company gets a brand revamp and which countries spend the most on Christmas.

A guide to aviation's high-fliers, rail carriages with class, masterful hoteliers and service stars the world over

While its famous print brand goes boutique, National Geographic is betting on premium – from TV to events.

We talk to Sumie about her subtle second album, a quiet triumph of wistful restraint.

Italy is a land of print. One such publication is the punchy periodical ‘Internazionale’ that, since the 1990s, has been selecting what it considers to be the best of international journalism and translating it into Italian. But there’s a lot more to it than that...

Aarhus city hall was built as a statement of faith in the future during Denmark’s darkest days. Today its stunningly preserved design is still inspiring civic pride.

Jordan’s capital is using its creativity – and a whole lot of calligraphy – to rewrite its reputation for art and design.

From a small studio in Mallorca to a UK factory that's also a creative space, showroom and museum, we round up the best in global design.

Welcome to The Sea Ranch. Newcomers are encouraged – as long as they adhere to the aesthetic of this natural wonder

Laying on a spread this Christmas? Luminaries from the worlds of design, hospitality and diplomacy reveal what makes a terrific table.

The best in drinking and dining, from a Sydney stop-in to a Chicago canteen and Athenian deli.

Christmas and New Year is a time for looking back, unwinding, unwrapping and making resolutions – and what better way to indulge all of these than with a festive cocktail or sipping fine wine in front of the fire? We’ve asked the experts for their favourite tipples and star concoctions this season.

The serial entrepreneur behind Asian lifestyle hospitality brand Potato Head remembers returning empty handed from hunting wild boar in the jungle, his grandmother cooking huge family dinners of spicy Manado food and the benefits of a bowl of bat soup.

He delights in the detail but, for the founder of knitwear label John Sterner, provenance is also a priority – so before launching the collection he bought a sheep farm.

Historic outerwear brand Canada Goose is riding a tailwind of shifting consumer habits all the way to Europe and beyond. As the coat-maker migrates from North America and launches a new line of knitwear, could it be about to lay another golden egg?

We ponder whether fashion brands can sell happiness, plus the best autumn/winter looks from Margaret Howell and New Zealand's Kowtow, among others/

Fix up for the freeze with this cosy yet crisp mix of styles to add to your winter wardrobe.

The first stop-off in our three-part sleigh tour brings us to the Finnish capital for festive finery.

Forget big-box shops or available-anywhere finds. Japan’s former capital is a haven for crafty shoppers and those looking for something a little different.

Forget New York and Los Angeles, this East Coast city features some of the best shopping outposts in the US and is the perfect place in which to pick up a few yuletide favourites.

Where to sleep, eat and shop this month.