39 Catalonia Facts: History, Tourism, And Political Situation

Catalonia, a Spanish autonomous community, is best known for its Romanesque architecture, medieval mountain monasteries, Art Nouveau masterpieces, and Roman ruins.

Catalonia comprises four provinces: Barcelona, Lleida, Girona, and Tarragona in northeastern Spain. Catalonia is surrounded on the east coast by the Mediterranean Sea.

In 2020, Catalonia had a population of 7.7 million people, making up 16% of Spain's overall population. The Mediterranean coast, which spans around 360 mi (580 km), and the enormous terrain units of the Pyrenees to the north have sculpted Catalonia's geography. The terrain of Catalonia is separated into three distinct landform units.

Catalonia has proven that it is wealthy enough to govern itself beyond all reasonable doubt. Catalan economy is worth more than €215 billion, accounting for up to one-fifth of Spain's GDP (gross domestic product).

The region's principal export commodities include chemical and industrial items and metal works. Industrial growth has also been continuous throughout Catalonia, particularly in the textile industry and food processing industries, particularly in Barcelona.

The Catalan language is highly valued and esteemed. Catalonia is home to three distinct languages: Catalan, Spanish, and Occitan. Outside of Catalonia, the language is also commonly spoken along with Spanish in Valencia, Spain.

Catalan people are not just innovative and fiercely independent, but also academically curious and hardworking. Catalan culture is seen in the people's bustling commerce, resilience, and once-widespread dominance across the Mediterranean, all of which still exist today.

History Of Catalonia

Catalonia emerged as a distinct territory in the 11th century when Barcelona County rose to prominence. Barcelona and the neighboring Aragon Kingdom were united under one monarch around the 12th century.

The Catalan region has been a part of Spain since the very beginning. When the King of Aragon (Ferdinand) married the Queen of Castile (Isabella), Spain became one country. In 1469, the couple agreed to unite their kingdoms.

The 19th century brought a new concept of Catalan self-identity. Separatist political campaigns were more aggressive as Catalans fought to promote their cultural language's literature.

The Catalan area enjoyed greater political autonomy after Spain was granted republican status in 1931.

The Catalan area was a key republican bulwark during the Spanish Civil War, which lasted from 1936 to 1939. The Generalitat was losing part of its autonomy in Republican Spain.

The end of republican resistance began in 1939 when General Francisco Franco's conservative forces took control of Barcelona. Catalan importance and autonomy diminished under Franco's regime.

The dictatorial ruler Franco banned the language of Catalans and art to a great extent. Several prominent Catalans and pro-independence activists have been assassinated or forced to seek asylum in countries other than Spain.

Political Situation Of Catalonia

Catalonia regained and expanded its powers under the Statute of Autonomy of 1932. Franco died in 1975, and there was an adoption of a democratic constitution in Spain in 1978.

This autonomous community has gradually gained increasing autonomy since the enactment of the Spanish Constitution in 1978.

The Generalitat has sole authority over education, health, culture, the environment, communications, transportation, commerce, public safety, and local government, except justice, shared with the Spanish government.

Catalan nationalism is supported by a wide range of people, from those who want more autonomy and the federalization of Spain to those who want independence from the rest of Spain, as expressed by Catalan independentists.

The Catalan language, together with Spanish, became the region's official language.

The Spanish Constitutional Court ruled law in 2010 and limited Catalonia's declarations of nationhood. President of Catalonia, José Montilla Aguilera, condemned the unfortunate court ruling, calling it an insult to Catalan dignity.

In the late 2000s, the economic troubles of Spain were (and continue to be) a significant factor in Catalans' rising demand for complete independence. The region was devastated by the worldwide financial crisis of 2007-2008. Catalonia approached Madrid in 2012, asking for a €5 billion bailout.

The Catalan people have always blamed their recent economic slowdown squarely on Madrid's shoulders. Catalans have good arguments to back up their claims. For example, they are perplexed why Madrid refuses to remain out of their domestic problems.

Catalonia region, which is wealthy and highly industrialized, pays more to the national budget than Madrid (the Spanish capital) or any other Spanish region.

To expedite their independence struggles, Catalan parties held an independence vote in 2014. The referendum was a success, with 80% of voters in the Catalan Parliament voting in favor of its independence.

The Spanish Senate agreed to impose direct rule by deposing Catalonia President Carles Puigdemont and convening a fast regional poll.

A succession of Catalan elections in 2015 pushed the country closer to independence. As if that wasn't enough, Catalan Parliament issued a public referendum in 2017 that overwhelmingly supported Catalan autonomy.

The government continues to dismiss claims and struggles of Catalonia's independence. By doing so, the central government in Madrid declared that granting Catalans complete independence would be highly unconstitutional.

The Spanish government in Madrid was outraged by the declaration of independence issued by Barcelona (Catalonia) in 2017. Catalonia was briefly placed under the direct control of Spain's central government due to Madrid's response.

Political tensions between Catalonia and Spain continue to simmer, fading away and emerging regularly. However, it appears that the administration is no closer to reaching an agreement with these influential separatists in northeast Spain.

Tourist Attractions Of Catalonia

The Catalan coast has seen a remarkable increase in tourism growth.

There are so many interesting cultural landmarks in Catalonia that you won't know where to start: unique buildings in Barcelona (commonly known as 'the capital of Modernism') such as the Sagrada Familia Cathedral or the Palau de la Musica Catalana Auditorium, the remarkable archaeological site at Tarraco, the monastery of Poblet in Tarragona, the churches of the Vall de Boi valley in Lleida - they are all declared UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Costa Brava and Costa Daurada, both on the Mediterranean, are the most well-known locations. The Pyrenees mountains (which run along France's southern border) are a popular hiking destination in the north.

Vall de Boi is a Unesco World Heritage Site with Europe's most extensive collection of Romanesque art.

Montserrat's architectural influences range from Gothic to Art Nouveau, making it a popular destination for cultural tourists, while its spectacular caves and nature trails should entice any adventurer.

In Catalonia, Tarragona, an open-air museum, is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Consider gladiators fighting for their lives in the amphitheater, strolling along the medieval city wall, or viewing the Devil's Bridge aqueduct.

Catalonia has produced some of the world's most famous artists, including architect Antoni Gaud, composer Pau Casals, painters Salvador Dal, Pablo Picasso, and Joan Miró.

Following the Landscape of Geniuses Route in Tarragona is one of the greatest methods to retrace their paths.

It begins in Reus, where Antoni Gaud was born, continues to El Vendrell, where composer Pau Casals was born, and the coastal vistas of Mont-Roig del Camp, which inspired Joan Miró's surrealist paintings.

The route concludes in Horta de Sant Joan, a hilltop village that appears in several of Pablo Picasso's works. The Dal Theater Museum in Costa Brava is a must-see. The building, designed by the artist, is as avant-garde as the works it houses.

The Museu Picasso has an extensive collection of Picasso's early works. The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya has a varied collection of Romanesque art, Gothic art, Renaissance and Baroque paintings, and Catalan modernist art.

Girona is Catalonia's gleaming crown jewel. It is located 64 mi (103 km) from Barcelona, in the Mediterranean region of Spain, and has a diverse cultural heritage influenced by ancient Romans, Moorish-era Arabs, and Jews.

Poblenou, the Olympic Winter Games venue in 1992, is to Barcelona what Brooklyn is to New York. Since the Games, it has grown into a thriving arts community with beautiful coastal views.

The Cap de Creus Natural Park is a nature reserve with a pristine coastline and blue waters on the Creus Peninsula.

The authorities implemented several policies aimed at protecting natural ecosystems. As a result, in 1990, the Catalan government established the Nature Conservation Council, an advisory body tasked with studying, protecting, and managing Catalonia's natural habitats and landscapes.

Traditional Food Of Catalonia

The cuisine of Catalonia has a gastronomical history. Catalonia is widely popular for its fine dining restaurants. The region has been named the European Region of Gastronomy for 2016.

Like all Mediterranean cuisines, the Catalonia dishes make liberal use of bread, seafood, olive oil, fish, and vegetables.

The pa amb tomàquet is a dish comprising of bread along with tomato.

It is a regional specialty made of toasted bread and seasoned tomato with olive oil.

The dish is served with many cheese, sausages, and ham.

Other dishes include fish stew and Catalan cream for dessert.

Priorat, Penedès, Empordà, and Montsant, are just a few of the Denominacions d'Origen wines produced in Catalan vineyards. They also serve cava.

Catalonia has world-class restaurants, including El Bulli, that consistently dominate international restaurant rankings.