ciutats

Ciutats (plural of ciutat) are urban settlements in Catalan-speaking regions characterized by concentrated populations, diverse economies, and organized governance. The term is used across Catalonia, the Valencian Community, and the Balearic Islands to denote large or administratively designated urban centers that act as regional hubs.

The word ciutat comes from Latin civitas "city"; ciutats is its plural.

Ciutats typically include historic cores, multi-use neighborhoods, public institutions, and infrastructure such as roads, transit, and utilities. They are governed by municipal councils led by a mayor; responsibilities include urban planning, housing, sanitation, education, culture, and economic development.

Urban development in these regions began in antiquity with Roman and medieval towns and accelerated during industrialization; many ciutats preserve historic centers while integrating modern districts and services. City status is often conferred by charters or royal privileges in the Middle Ages.

Not all municipalities are cities; there are towns and villages with distinct status. The concept of ciutats reflects regional language and identity within the broader Spanish and European urban framework.

See also: City, Urban planning, Catalan language.