Catalonia

Catalonia (Catalan: Catalunya) is an autonomous community of Spain located in the northeastern part of the Iberian Peninsula. It borders France and Andorra to the north, the Mediterranean Sea to the east, and the Spanish regions of Aragon and Valencia to the west and south. Its capital and largest city is Barcelona, a major Mediterranean port and cultural center. The region is governed by the Generalitat of Catalonia, with a President and the Parliament of Catalonia; it has a Statute of Autonomy and participates in national and European institutions.

Geography and population: Covering about 32,000 square kilometers, Catalonia has a population of around 7.6 million. The landscape includes the Pyrenees in the north, inland plains, and a long coastline along the Costa Brava. The climate is predominantly Mediterranean, with mountain influences in the interior.

History: Catalonia developed as a distinct political and cultural entity in the Middle Ages within the Crown of Aragon. It later became part of the Spanish state through dynastic unions and centralization. After the Franco regime, Catalonia gained broad autonomy in 1978. A 2006 Statute expanded powers, portions of which were later altered by a 2010 Constitutional Court ruling. Since the 2010s, independence sentiment has been a major political factor, including a controversial 2017 referendum and declaration.

Language and culture: Catalan is co-official with Spanish in Catalonia and is widely used in education, media, administration, and daily life. Catalonia is noted for its art and architecture, notably Antoni Gaudí, as well as its festivals, cuisine, and regional identity.

Economy: The economy is diversified, with services, industry, and tourism playing large roles. Barcelona is a major economic hub and seaport. The region generally has a high standard of living and strong GDP per capita within Spain.