What is Catalonia?

Catalonia is a semi-autonomous region in north-east Spain with a distinct history dating

back almost 1,000 years.
The wealthy region has about 7.5 million people, with their own language, parliament,
flag and anthem.
Catalonia also has its own police force and controls some of its public services.

Why the controversy?

Catalan nationalists have long complained that their region sends too much money to
poorer parts of Spain, as taxes are controlled by Madrid.
They also say Spain's changes to their autonomous status in 2010 undermined Catalan
identity.
In a referendum on 1 October, declared illegal by Spain's Constitutional Court, about
90% of Catalan voters backed independence. But turnout was only 43%.
There were clashes when Spanish national police tried to prevent people
voting.
 The ruling separatists in the Catalan parliament then declared independence on 27
October.
Angered by that, Madrid imposed direct rule by invoking Article 155 of the constitution -
a first for Spain.
The Spanish government sacked the Catalan leaders, dissolved parliament and called a
snap regional election on 21 December 2017, which nationalist parties won.
Carles Puigdemont, the former Catalan president, fled but is wanted in
Spain accused of rebellion, as are four who fled with him. Two of his ex-ministers
are in prison in Spain.
In June 2018, Catalan nationalists regained control of the region from
Madrid's direct rule after a new government was sworn in.
Quim Torra, a close ally of Mr Puigdemont, will lead the regional government.
Catalonia in numbers
 16% of Spain's population live in Catalonia, and it produces:
 25.6% of Spain's exports
 19% of Spain's GDP
 20.7% of foreign investment
Source: Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness, Eurostat, Bank of Spain
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Want to know more?
 Catalonia's quarrel with Spain explained
 Could Catalonia make a success of independence?
 Spain's distinctive north-eastern region