Spain: Cataluña
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| www.polgeonow.com |
Region of Cataluña, is located in the northeast of Spain, and the province has an approximate area of 32,114 km². It is considered the sixth largest region in Spain. The population is over 7.5 million people, 5 million in the provincial capital Barcelona. There are other counties that make up the region which are are Girona , Lleida and Tarragona. Most of the population speak both Spanish and Catalan.
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| La Señera: flag of Cataluña - commons.wikimedia.org |
Catalonia became autonomy in 1931 during the Second Spanish Republic (1931). This
period was characterized by political issues. Then this autonomy was suspended when Gen. Francisco Franco's rule had begun in 1936 until his
death in 1975. The suppression system of Franco prevented any kind of public
activities associated with the Catalan nationalism, anarchism,
socialism, communism or democracy. The publication of books related to the topic was banned. As part of this repression, the use of Catalan language was banned in institutions run by the government and in public events. Autonomy returned in 1979, after the military coup in 1981 the government acknowledged the existence of 17 provinces.
www.wsj.com
Catalan independence seekers believe that they are a part of a nation that has a history of language and culture. The persecution of General Franco increased the desire of separatism. Catalonia is in a strategic location which helped the economy. Catalonia is the biggest "earning" region in Spain. However, Catalonia's economy was affected due to the Spanish government's policies that imposed a tax estimates 10% of GDP to reach 20 billion euros. Thus, there are no investment or social services equivalent to those high income tax.
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| 2 million people (11km walk) September 21st of 2014 www.nuevamiradacorrientes.com |
September of 2014 in Barcelona, one of the biggest rallies in Spain's documented history took place. It was a huge demonstration calling for independence in which the number of people reached about 2 million people. The slogan was"Catalonia, next country (state) in Europe." The demonstration was supported by the majority of political parties in the province.
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| A sign in the Camp Nou, FC Barcelona's stadium. source: itsafunnyoldworld.wordpress.com |
In October 2014, Spain's parliament voted to prevent Catalonia from holding a referendum on independence. The Catalans reacted, led by Artur Mas, that calls for making the Catalonia region, a sovereign state to win without achieving an absolute majority. Jordi Trias Mayor of Barcelona surprised many when he said that Barcelona football club may be transmitted to compete in the French league in case the separation happens. This is considered a significant issue because of the single-handedly best and most commercial rivalry in football nowadays which is between Barcelona and Real Madrid the capital's team.
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