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{{Short description|Autonomous community and nationality in Spain}}
It is needed the actual definition of Catalonia based on the Estatut
{{About|the Spanish autonomous community|the historic political entity|Principality of Catalonia||Catalonia (disambiguation)|and|Catalunya (disambiguation)}}
http://www.gencat.net/generalitat/eng/estatut/
{{dist|Cataonia|Catatonia}}
Nowadays this is the unique legal framework of Catalonia. This definition sounds a lot fascist for a lot of Catalonia people that are proud to have the first parlament of the world and now to reach the definition of Nation in the Estatut (OK with a lot of different interpretations from Bbarcelona and Madrid governments).
{{Use British English|date=April 2014}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}

{{Autonomous community {{Infobox autonomous community of Spain
|name = Catalonia | name = Catalonia
| native_name = {{Collapsible list | titlestyle = background:transparent; text-align:center; font-size:10pt; | liststyle = text-align:center; | title = Native names: | 1 = {{native name|ca|'''Catalunya'''}} | 2 = {{native name|es|'''Cataluña'''}} | 3 = {{native name|oc|'''Catalonha'''}}}}
|full-name = Comunitat Autònoma de Catalunya<br />Comunidad Autónoma de Cataluña<br />Comunautat Autonòma de Catalonha<br />Autonomous Community of Catalonia
| settlement_type = ]
|flag = Flag of Catalonia.svg
| image_flag = Flag of Catalonia.svg
|coat-of-arms = Escudo de Cataluña.svg
| flag_alt = Flag of Catalonia (Senyera)
|map = Localització de la CA de Catalunya.png
| image_shield = Seal of the Generalitat of Catalonia.svg
|anthem = '']''
| shield_alt = Seal of the Generalitat de Catalunya
|capital = ]
| anthem = {{Native name|ca|]}}<br /> ("The Reapers")<br /> <div style="display:inline-block;margin-top:0.4em;">]</div>
|language = ], ] and ] in Val d'Aran.
| label_map =
|area = 32,114
| image_map = {{Switcher|]|Location of Catalonia (red) in Spain|]|Catalonia (dark green) in Spain and Europe|}}
|area-rank = 6th
| coordinates = {{Coord|41|51|N|1|34|E|region:ES-CT_type:adm1st|display=inline,title}}
|area-magnitude =E10
| capital = ]
|area-percent = 6.3%
| largest_city = ]
|pop = 7,134,697
| provinces = {{Hlist|]|]|]|]}}
|pop-rank = 2nd
| official_lang = {{Plainlist|
|pop-percent = 16%
* ]
|pop-date = 2006
* ]{{efn|name=e|As "the official language of the ]", according with the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Spanish Constitution|url=https://www.boe.es/legislacion/documentos/ConstitucionINGLES.pdf|website=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=BOE|access-date=26 July 2016|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304214738/https://www.boe.es/legislacion/documentos/ConstitucionINGLES.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
|density = 222.16
* ] (]){{efn|name=f|Catalan and Occitan (Aranese in Aran) are the languages of Catalonia and Aran (respectively) and official languages of the autonomous community of Catalonia according with its Statute of Autonomy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gencat.cat/generalitat/eng/estatut/titol_preliminar.htm|title=Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia|publisher=Gencat.cat|access-date=13 September 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528011550/http://www.gencat.cat/generalitat/eng/estatut/titol_preliminar.htm|archive-date=28 May 2008}}</ref>}}
|english-name = Catalan
* ]{{efn|name=g|LSC was officially recognized as one of Catalonia's official languages on 3 June 2010 when Law 17/2010 of the Catalan Sign Language (LSC) was approved by the government.<ref name="estatut_langs" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Llei de la llengua de signes catalana|url=https://www.parlament.cat/document/nom/TL118.pdf|website=blogs.iec.cat|language=ca|access-date=9 October 2022|archive-date=9 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009070458/https://www.parlament.cat/document/nom/TL118.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>}}}}
|local-name = català (m); catalana (f)
| government_footnotes =
|local-lang = ]
| government_type = ] in a ]
|spanish-name = catalán (m); catalana (f)
| governing_body = ]
|autonomy = ], ]
| legislature = Parliament of Catalonia
|congress = 46
| president = ] (])
|senate = 7
| congress_seats = 48
|president = ] (])
| senate_seats = 24
|president-link = List of Presidents of Catalonia
| formation = 801 (])<br /> 1137 (]) <br /> {{nowrap|1173 (<!-- established -->])}} <br /> 1516 (] under ]) <br /> 1716 (])
|code = CT
| statute = <!-- 9 September --> 1932 (])<!-- Abolished during Francoist Spain --> <br /> <!-- 18 September --> 1979 (]) <br /> <!-- 9 August --> 2006 (] – ''in force'')
|website =
| area_footnotes = <ref name="idescat-area">{{cite web|url=http://www.idescat.cat/pub/?id=inddt&n=396&lang=en|title=Indicadors geogràfics. Superfície, densitat i entitats de població: Catalunya|publisher=]|access-date=23 November 2015|archive-date=26 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426061452/https://www.idescat.cat/pub/?id=inddt|url-status=live}}</ref>
| area_rank = ]
| area_total_km2 = 32113.86
| area_land_km2 =
| area_water_km2 =
| population_footnotes =
| population_rank = ]
| population_as_of =
| population_total =
| population_ref =
| population_est = {{IncreaseNeutral}} 8067454
| population_density_km2 = auto
| pop_est_as_of = 2024<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.idescat.cat/indicadors/?id=basics&n=10328|title=Idescat. Annual indicators. Population on 1 January 2024. By sex|access-date=12 July 2024|language=ca|archive-date=22 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222153502/https://www.idescat.cat/novetats/?id=4707|url-status=live}}</ref>
| pop_est_ref =
| density_year =
| population_demonym = ] or Catalonian <br/> &nbsp;• ''català'', ''-ana'' (]) <br/> &nbsp;• ''catalan'', ''-a'' (]) <br/> &nbsp;• ''catalán'', ''-ana'' (])
| GDP_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.datosmacro.com/pib/espana-comunidades-autonomas| title=PIB de las Comunidades Autónomas 2020 | website=www.datosmacro.com| access-date=13 August 2015| archive-date=31 December 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151231224436/http://www.datosmacro.com/pib/espana-comunidades-autonomas| url-status=live}}</ref>
| GDP_rank = ]
| GDP_year = 2022
| GDP_total = €255.154 billion
| GDP_per_capita = €32,550
| GDP_per_capita_rank = ]
| HDI_year = 2021
| HDI = 0.916<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/|title=Sub-national HDI – Area Database – Global Data Lab|website=hdi.globaldatalab.org|language=en|access-date=24 June 2023}}</ref>
| HDI_rank = {{color|darkgreen|very high}} · ]
| timezone_link =
| timezone1_location =
| timezone1 = ] (]+1)
| utc_offset1 =
| timezone1_DST = ] (]+2)
| utc_offset1_DST =
| postal_code_prefix = {{hlist|08XXX (])|17XXX (])|25XXX (])|43XXX (])}}
| iso_code = ES-CT
| currency = ] (])
| telephone_code = ]
| patron = ] <br /> ]
| holiday = ]
| website = gencat.cat
| module = {{Infobox mapframe |wikidata=yes |zoom=5 |height=300 |width= | stroke-width=1 |coord={{WikidataCoord|display=i}}}}
}} }}
<!--
The '''] of Catalonia''' ({{lang-ca|Comunitat Autònoma de Catalunya}}; {{lang-es|Comunidad Autónoma de Cataluña}}; ] ]: ''Comunautat Autonòma de Catalonha''), in the Kingdom of ], shares borders with ] and ] to the north, ] to the west, and ] to the south. To the east there is a 580&nbsp;km coastline which meets the ].
Please note: The descriptions "autonomous community" and "nationality" are based on formal political terminology as found in official sources and have been discussed at length on the talk page in the past. Please do not directly change to "country" or "nation" – or, conversely, to "region" – but raise any issues or suggest any improvements on the talk page first, as direct edits on this subject will be controversial.
-->
'''Catalonia''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|k|æ|t|ə|ˈ|l|oʊ|n|i|ə}}; {{langx|ca|Catalunya}} {{IPA|ca|kətəˈluɲə||LL-Q7026 (cat)-Unjoanqualsevol-Catalunya.wav}}; {{langx|es|Cataluña}} {{IPA|es|kataˈluɲa||Pronunciation_of_Catalonia_in_Spanish.ogg}}; {{langx|oc|Catalonha}} {{IPA-oc|kataˈluɲa|}}<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.institutestudisaranesi.cat/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/33519-vocabulari-fonetic.pdf|title=Vocabulari fonetic basic der aranés|publisher=Institut D'Estudis Aranesi|date=2018|isbn=978-84-09-06340-6|page=8|access-date=5 January 2021|archive-date=5 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705145917/http://www.institutestudisaranesi.cat/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/33519-vocabulari-fonetic.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>) is an ], designated as a '']'' by its ].{{efn|In addition to the legal definition as a nationality, Catalonia is also defined as a ] in the preamble of its 2006 Statute of Autonomy, although it was rejected by the ] in 2010, which declared this definition without legal force. However, the definition was not modified nor suppressed, thus remaining in the text.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.expatica.com/es/news/country-news/Court-to-reject-nation-in-Catalonia-statute_167204.html|title=Court to reject 'nation' in Catalonia statute|date=22 November 2009|access-date=12 November 2015|archive-date=23 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223190919/http://www.expatica.com/es/news/country-news/Court-to-reject-nation-in-Catalonia-statute_167204.html|url-status=live}}</ref>}}<!-- i.e. by the ] and its ] --><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gencat.cat/generalitat/eng/estatut/titol_preliminar.htm|title=Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia, article 1|quote=Catalonia, as a nationality, exercises its self-government constituted as an autonomous community, in accordance with the Constitution and with this Statute, which is its basic institutional law.|publisher=Gencat.cat|access-date=13 September 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528011550/http://www.gencat.cat/generalitat/eng/estatut/titol_preliminar.htm|archive-date=28 May 2008}}</ref> Most of its territory (except the ]) is situated on the northeast of the ], to the south of the ] mountain range. Catalonia is administratively divided into four ] or eight ] (regions), which are in turn divided into 42 ]. The capital and largest city, ], is the second-most populous ] in Spain and the fifth-most populous urban area in the ].<ref name="demographia"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805030244/http://www.demographia.com/db-worldua.pdf|date=5 August 2011}} – Demographia, April 2018</ref>


Modern-day Catalonia comprises most of the medieval and early modern ] (with the remainder ] now part of France's ]). It is bordered by ] (]) and ] to the north, the ] to the east, and the Spanish autonomous communities of ] to the west and ] to the south. In addition to about 580&nbsp;km of coastline, Catalonia also has major high landforms such as the ] and the ], the Transversal Range (Serralada Transversal) or the Central Depression.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://exteriors.gencat.cat/en/ambits-dactuacio/afers_exteriors/delegacions_govern/welcome-to-catalonia/|title=Welcome to Catalonia|publisher=Ministry for Foreign Action and European Union|access-date=27 March 2024|archive-date=27 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240327072043/https://exteriors.gencat.cat/en/ambits-dactuacio/afers_exteriors/delegacions_govern/welcome-to-catalonia/|url-status=live}}</ref> The official languages are ], ] and the ] of ].<ref name="estatut_langs">{{cite web|title=Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia (2006), Articles 6, 50 – BOPC 224 |url=http://www.parlament-cat.net/porteso/estatut/estatut_angles_100506.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826045656/http://www.parlament-cat.net/porteso/estatut/estatut_angles_100506.pdf|archive-date=26 August 2013|access-date=31 January 2014}}</ref>
Catalonia's official languages are ]; ], which is catalonian´s own language, and ], spoken in the northern region of ].


In the late 8th century, various counties across the eastern Pyrenees were established by the ] as a defensive barrier against Muslim invasions. In the 10th century, the County of Barcelona became progressively independent.<ref>Salrach, Josep Mª. ''Catalunya a la fi del primer mil·leni''. Pagès Editors (Lleida, 2004), pp. 144–149.</ref> In 1137, ] and the ] were united by marriage, resulting in a ] known as the ]. Within the Crown, the Catalan counties merged in to a polity, the ], developing its own institutional system, such as ], ] and ], becoming the base and promoter for the Crown's Mediterranean trade and expansionism. In the later Middle Ages, ] flourished. In 1469, ] of the crowns of Aragon and ] were married and ruled their realms together, retaining all of their distinct institutions and legislation.
Its territory corresponds to most of the historic territory of the former ], and the capital is ].
The autonomous community of Catalonia covers an area of 32,114 km² with an official population of 7,134,697 (2006) from which immigrants represent an estimated 12.3% of the total population.<ref>, Diari El Punt.</ref><ref>, BBC News. 3 January 2007</ref>


During the ] (1635–1659), ] (1640–1652) against a burdensome presence of the royal army, being briefly established as a ] under French protection. By the ] (1659), the ], mostly the ], were ceded to France. During the ] (1701–1714), the Crown of Aragon sided against the ] ], but after the ] (1713) the Catalans were defeated with the ] on ]. Philip V subsequently imposed a unifying administration across Spain, enacting the ] which, like in the other realms of the Crown of Aragon, suppressed Catalan institutions and legislation. As a consequence, Catalan as a language of government and literature was eclipsed by Spanish.
==Legal Status within Spain==
Title IV. Powers (articles 110-173) Chapter I. Types of powers


In the 19th century, Catalonia was severely affected by the ] and ]. In the second third of the century, it experienced industrialisation. As wealth from the industrial expansion grew, it saw a ] coupled with incipient ] while several ]s appeared. The establishment of the ] (1931–1939) granted ], being restored the ] as the autonomous government. After the ], the ] dictatorship enacted repressive measures, abolishing Catalan self-government and banning the official use of the Catalan language. After a period of ], from the late 1950s through to the 1970s Catalonia saw ], drawing many workers from across Spain, making Barcelona one of Europe's largest industrial metropolitan areas and turning Catalonia into a major tourist destination. During the ] (1975–1982), the Generalitat was reestablished and Catalonia ], remaining one of the most economically dynamic communities in Spain.
* Article 110. Exclusive powers
* Article 111. Shared powers
* Article 112. Executive powers
* Article 113. Powers of the Generalitat and European Union rules
* Article 114. Promotional activity
* Article 115. Territorial scope and effects of powers


In the 2010s, there was growing support for ]. On 27 October 2017, the Catalan Parliament unilaterally declared independence following a ] that was deemed unconstitutional by the Spanish state. The Spanish Senate voted in favour of enforcing direct rule by removing the Catalan government and calling ]. The ] imprisoned seven former ministers of the Catalan government on charges of rebellion and misuse of public funds, while several others—including then-President ]—fled to other European countries. Those in prison{{Efn|Puigdemont is still wanted by the government in Madrid.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-05-24|title=EU court reinstates MEP immunity of Catalonia's Carles Puigdemont|url=https://www.euronews.com/2022/05/24/eu-court-reinstates-immunity-of-catalonia-s-ex-president-carles-puigdemont|access-date=2022-06-22|publisher=]|language=en|archive-date=22 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622190654/https://www.euronews.com/2022/05/24/eu-court-reinstates-immunity-of-catalonia-s-ex-president-carles-puigdemont|url-status=live}}</ref>}} were pardoned by the Spanish government in 2021.
Chapter II. Matters of power


== Etymology and pronunciation ==
* Article 116. Agriculture, livestock farming and forestry
The name "Catalonia" ({{Langx|la-x-medieval|Cathalaunia}}), spelled ''Cathalonia'', began to be used for the homeland of the ] (''Cathalanenses'') in the late 11th century and was probably used before as a territorial reference to the group of counties that comprised part of the March of Gothia and the ] under the control of the ] and his relatives.<ref> (in Catalan) {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206211826/http://www.enciclopedia.cat/fitxa_v2.jsp?NDCHEC=0016436|date=6 February 2012}}</ref> The origin of the name ''Catalunya'' is subject to diverse interpretations because of a lack of evidence.
* Article 117. Water and hydraulic works
* Article 118. Associations and foundations
* Article 119. Hunting, fishing, maritime activities and organisation of the fishing sector
* Article 120. Savings banks
* Article 121. Trade and trade fairs
* Article 122. Popular consultation
* Article 123. Consumer affairs
* Article 124. Cooperatives and the social economy
* Article 125. Public law corporations and certified professions
* Article 126. Credit, banks, insurance and mutual benefit societies not included in the social security system
* Article 127. Culture
* Article 128. Geographical and quality denominations and indications
* Article 129. Civil law
* Article 130. Prosecution law
* Article 131. Education
* Article 132. Emergencies and civil protection
* Article 133. Energy and mines
* Article 134. Sport and leisure
* Article 135. Statistics
* Article 136. Public employment and staff in the employ of the catalan public administration bodies
* Article 137. Housing
* Article 138. Immigration
* Article 139. Industry, craftsmanship, metrological control and evaluation of metals
* Article 140. Transport and communications infrastructures


One theory suggests that ''Catalunya'' derives from the name ''Gothia'' (or ''Gauthia'') ''Launia'' ("Land of the ]"), since the origins of the Catalan counts, lords and people were found in the March of Gothia, known as ''Gothia'', whence ''Gothland'' > {{Lang|la-x-medieval|Gothlandia}} > {{Lang|la-x-medieval|Gothalania}} > {{Lang|la-x-medieval|Cathalaunia}} > ''Catalonia'' theoretically derived.<ref name="Books.google.com"/><ref>{{cite book|author=Ulick Ralph Burke|title=A history of Spain from the earliest times to the death of Ferdinand the Catholic|url=https://archive.org/details/ahistoryspainfr02burkgoog|year=1900|publisher=Longmans, Green, and co.|page=}}</ref> During the ], ] chroniclers claimed that ''Catalania'' derives from the local medley of ] with ], initially constituting a ''Goth-Alania''.<ref>The Sarmatians: 600 BC-AD 450 (Men-at-Arms) by Richard Brzezinski and Gerry Embleton, 19 August 2002.</ref>
* Article 141. Gaming and shows
* Article 142. Youth
* Article 143. Catalonia's own language
* Article 144. The environment, natural areas and meteorology
* Article 145. Stock exchanges and contracting centres
* Article 146. The media and audiovisual content services
* Article 147. Notarial affairs and public registries
* Article 148. Public works
* Article 149. Territorial, landscape, coastline and urban development planning
* Article 150. Organisation of the administration of the Generalitat
* Article 151. Territorial organisation
* Article 152. Planning, organisation and promotion of economic activity
* Article 153. Gender policies
* Article 154. Promotion and defence of competition
* Article 155. Intellectual and industrial property
* Article 156. Protection of personal data
* Article 157. Advertising
* Article 158. Research, development and technological innovation
* Article 159. Legal system, legal procedure, public contracts, expropriation and responsibility in the catalan public administration bodies
* Article 160. Local government system
* Article 161. Relations with religious entities
* Article 162. Healthcare, public health, pharmaceutical regulation and pharmaceutical products
* Article 163. Private security
* Article 164. Public security
* Article 165. Social security
* Article 166. Social services, volunteers, minors and promotion of families
* Article 167. The symbols of catalonia
* Article 168. The prison system
* Article 169. Transport
* Article 170. Work and labour relations
* Article 171. Tourism
* Article 172. Universities
* Article 173. Video and sound surveillance and recordings


Other theories suggest:
Chapter I. TYPES OF POWER ARTICLE 110. EXCLUSIVE POWERS


*''Catalunya'' derives from the term "land of castles", having evolved from the term ''castlà'' or ''castlan'', the medieval term for a ] (a ruler of a ]).<ref name="Books.google.com">{{cite book|author=Maximiano García Venero|title=Historia del nacionalismo catalán: 2a edición|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nUABAAAAMAAJ|access-date=25 April 2010|date=7 July 2006|publisher=Ed. Nacional|archive-date=11 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220311111242/https://books.google.com/books?id=nUABAAAAMAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gencat.cat/catalunya/eng/historia/historia2.htm|title=La formació de Catalunya|publisher=Gencat.cat|access-date=25 April 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091215151546/http://www.gencat.cat/catalunya/eng/historia/historia2.htm|archive-date=15 December 2009}}</ref> This theory therefore suggests that the names ''Catalunya'' and '']'' have a common root.
1. In matters in which the Generalitat has exclusive power, legislative power, regulatory power and the executive function correspond fully to the Generalitat. The exercise of these powers and functions, by means of which it may establish its own policies, is the exclusive right of the Generalitat.
*The source is the Celtic '']'', meaning "chiefs of battle", similar to the Celtic given name ;<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Bonfante|first=Giuliano|date=1948|title=Le nom de la "Catalogne"|url=https://www.persee.fr/doc/ecelt_0373-1928_1948_num_4_2_1196|journal=Études celtiques|volume=4|issue=2|pages=365–368|doi=10.3406/ecelt.1948.1196|access-date=6 June 2020|archive-date=6 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606104705/https://www.persee.fr/doc/ecelt_0373-1928_1948_num_4_2_1196|url-status=live|issn=0373-1928 }}</ref> although the area is not known to have been occupied by the ], a Celtic culture was present within the interior of the ] in pre-Roman times.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=Catalan&allowed_in_frame=0|title=Online Etymology Dictionary|publisher=Etymonline.com|access-date=31 January 2014|archive-date=3 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203040542/http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=Catalan&allowed_in_frame=0|url-status=live}}</ref>
2. In matters regarding the exclusive power of the Generalitat, Catalan law is applicable in its territory and shall prevail over any other.
*The ], an ] that lived in the area and whose name, due to the ] influence, could have evolved by ] to ''Katelans'' and then ''Catalans''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mediterranees.net/vagabondages/divers/catalogne.html|title=La Catalogne: son nom et ses limites historiques, Histoire de Roussillon|publisher=Mediterranees.net|date=22 March 2008|access-date=1 February 2014|archive-date=18 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218071954/http://mediterranees.net/vagabondages/divers/catalogne.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Miguel Vidal, finding serious shortcomings with earlier proposals (such as that an original -''t''- would have, by normal sound laws in the local Romance languages, developed into -''d''-), suggested an Arabic etymology: ''{{transliteration|ar|qattāl}}'' ({{wikt-lang|ar|قتال}}, {{abbr|pl.|plural}} ''{{transliteration|ar|qattālūn}}'' {{lang|ar|قتالون}}) – meaning "killer" – could have been applied by Muslims to groups of raiders and bandits on the southern border of the ].<ref>Badia i Margarit, Antoni, 1981,


Gramàtica històrica catalana, Barcelona; see also Miguel Vidal's "Etymology of català, Catalunya", available {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101182645/https://www.academia.edu/3815281/Etymology_of_catal%C3%A0_Catalunya|date=1 November 2020}}.</ref> The name, originally derogatory, could have been reappropriated by Christians as an autonym. This is comparable to attested development of the term ] in nearby areas. In this model, the name ''Catalunya'' derives from the plural ''qattālūn'' while the adjective and language name ''català'' derives from the singular ''qattāl'', both with the addition of common Romance suffixes.<ref>Sabaté, Flocel (2015). ''Anàlisi històrica de la identitat catalana''. Barcelona, Institut d ́Estudis Catalans: p. 27; Publicacions de la Presidència (1).</ref>
ARTICLE 111. SHARED POWERS In matters in which the Estatut attributes powers to the Generalitat which are shared with the State, legislative power, regulatory power and the executive function are the responsibility of the Generalitat, within the framework of the basic conditions established by the State as principles or lowest common legislative denominators in rules of legal rank, with the exception of those circumstances determined by the Constitution and this Estatut. The Generalitat may establish its own policies in the exercise of these powers. Parliament shall implement and specify said basic provisions by means of a law. ARTICLE 112. In matters in which the Generalitat has executive powers, the Generalitat has regulatory power, which includes the power to approve provisions for execution of State rules, and also the executive function, which in all cases includes the power to organise its own administration and, in general, all the functions and activities that the system attributes to the Public Administration. In matters in which the Generalitat has executive powers, the Generalitat has regulatory power, which includes the power to approve provisions for execution of State rules, and also the executive function, which in all cases includes the power to organise its own administration and, in general, all the functions and activities that the system attributes to the Public Administration. ARTICLE 113. POWERS OF THE GENERALITAT AND EUROPEAN UNION RULES The Generalitat has the authority to enact, apply and implement European Union rules when these affect its powers, under the terms established in Title V. ARTICLE 114. PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITY


In English, ''Catalonia'' is pronounced {{IPAc-en|k|æ|t|ə|ˈ|l|oʊ|n|i|ə}}. The native name, ''Catalunya'', is pronounced {{IPA|ca|kətəˈluɲə|}} in ], the most widely spoken variety, and {{IPA|ca|kataˈluɲa|}} in ]. The ] name is ''Cataluña'' ({{IPA|es|kataˈluɲa|}}), and the ] name is ''Catalonha'' ({{IPA-oc|kataˈluɲa|}}).
1. The Generalitat has the authority to carry out promotional activities in matters within its power. To this end, the Generalitat may grant subsidies from its own funds.
2. In matters where the Generalitat has exclusive power, the Generalitat has the authority to specify the purpose for which territorialisable subsidies from the State and from European communities are used, and also to regulate the conditions for their assignment and management, including administration and award.
3. In matters where power is shared, the Generalitat has the authority to specify, in the form of a regulation, the purpose for which territorialisable subsidies from the State and from European communities are used, and also to complete the regulation of the conditions for their assignment, including administration and award.
4. In matters where the Generalitat has executive power, the Generalitat has authority to manage territorialisable subsidies from the State and from European communities, including their administration and award.
5. The Generalitat shall participate in determining the non-territorialisability of subsidies from the State and European communities. Similarly, it shall participate, under the terms established by the State, in the management and administration of these subsidies.


== History ==
ARTICLE 115. TERRITORIAL SCOPE AND EFFECTS OF POWERS
{{Main|History of Catalonia}}
{{For timeline|Timeline of Catalan history}}


=== Prehistory ===
1. The area of application of the powers of the Generalitat is the territory of Catalonia, except in the cases referred to by this Estatut and other legal regulations establishing the extraterritorial applicability of the provisions and actions of the Generalitat.
] contains paintings protected as part of the Rock art of the ] Mediterranean Basin, a ].]]
2. In matters where the object of its powers extends beyond the territory of Catalonia, the Generalitat exercises its powers over the part of this object within its territory, without prejudice to the collaboration instruments established with other territorial bodies, or, in a subsidiary way, to the coordination by the State of the affected autonomous communities.


The first known human settlements in what is now Catalonia were at the beginning of the ]. The oldest known trace of human occupation is a ] found in ], described by some sources{{which|date=December 2022}} as pre-], that is, some 200,000 years old; other sources suggest it to be only about one third that old.<ref>{{citation|first1=R.|last1=Grun|title=ESR and U-series analyses of enamel and dentine fragments of the Banyoles mandible|journal=Journal of Human Evolution|year=2005|url=http://www.naturalsciences.be/mars/litterature/bibliography/bibtest/Grun2005|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120904090837/http://www.naturalsciences.be/mars/litterature/bibliography/bibtest/Grun2005|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 September 2012|access-date=31 October 2006|doi=10.1016/j.jhevol.2005.10.001|display-authors=etal|volume=50|issue=3|pages=347–58|pmid=16364406}}.</ref> From the next prehistoric era, the ] or ], important remains survive, the greater part dated between 8000 and 5000{{spaces}}BC, such as those of Sant Gregori (]) and el Filador (] de Montsant). The most important sites from these eras, all excavated in the region of ], are the Balma del Gai (Epipaleolithic) and the Balma de l'Espluga (late Epipaleolithic and Early Neolithic).<ref>Guilaine, Jean; Michel Barbaza, David Geddes, Jean-Louis Vernet, Miguel Llongueras & Maria Hopf (1982). "Prehistoric Human Adaptations in Catalonia (Spain)", ''Journal of Field Archaeology'', 9:4, 407–416.</ref>
Chapter II. MATTERS OF POWERS ARTICLE 116. AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK FARMING AND FORESTRY


The ] era began in Catalonia around 5000{{nbsp}}BC, although the population was slower to develop fixed settlements than in other places, thanks to the abundance of woods, which allowed the continuation of a fundamentally ] culture. An example of such settlements would be La Draga at Banyoles, an "early Neolithic village which dates from the end of the 6th millennium{{nbsp}}BC."<ref>Tarrus, Josep. "La Draga (Banyoles, Catalonia), an Early Neolithic Lakeside Village in Mediterranean Europe". ''Catalan Historical Review'', vol. 1, 2008, pp. 17–33.</ref>
1. While respecting the provisions established by the State in exercise of the powers attributed to it by Article 149.1.13 and 16 of the Constitution, the Generalitat has exclusive power over agriculture and livestock farming. This power includes in any case:
1. Regulation and development of agriculture, livestock farming and the food industry.
2. Regulation and implementation of quality, traceability and requirements for agricultural and livestock farming products, and also the fight against fraud in the sphere of food production and sale.
3. Regulation of participation of agricultural and stockbreeding organisations and agrarian chambers in public bodies.
4. Plant and animal health, in those cases where there are no effects on human health, and the protection of animals.
5. Seeds and seedbeds, in particular in all matters relating to genetically modified organisms.
6. Regulation of production processes, cultivation, agricultural structures, and their corresponding legal systems.
7. Integrated development and protection of the rural community.
8. Research, development, technology transfer, innovation in cultivation, agriculture and food companies, and training in these areas.
9. Trade fairs and agricultural, forestry and livestock shows.
2. The Generalitat has shared power for:
1. The planning of agriculture and livestock farming and the food sector.
2. The regulation and system of administrative intervention and uses of forests, forest exploitations and forestry services and drove roads of Catalonia.


The ] period developed in Catalonia between 2500 and 1800{{nbsp}}BC, with the beginning of the construction of copper objects. The ] occurred between 1800 and 700{{nbsp}}BC. There are few remnants of this era, but there were some known settlements in the ] zone. The Bronze Age coincided with the arrival of the ] through the ], whose successive waves of migration began around 1200{{nbsp}}BC, and they were responsible for the creation of the first proto-urban settlements.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.raco.cat/index.php/Pyrenae/article/viewFile/178964/242576|title=J. Maluquer de Motes: "Late Bronze and Early Iron in the valley of the Ebro" (''The Europea Community in Later Prehistory. Studies in honour of C. F. C. Hawkes''; Routledge & Kegan 1971, pp. 107–120) |access-date=24 January 2019|archive-date=2 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002115946/http://www.raco.cat/index.php/Pyrenae/article/viewFile/178964/242576|url-status=live}}</ref> Around the middle of the 7th century{{nbsp}}BC, the ] arrived in Catalonia.
ARTICLE 117. WATER AND HYDRAULIC WORKS


=== Pre-Roman and Roman period ===
1. The Generalitat has exclusive authority in matters concerning water pertaining to intra-community basins, which includes in any case:
], ] in ] ]]
1. Administrative organisation, planning and management of surface and underground water, the uses and exploitations of water and also hydraulic works that are not qualified as being of general interest.
In pre-Roman times, the area that is now called Catalonia in the north-east of ] – like the rest of the ] side of the peninsula – was populated by the ]. The Iberians of this area – the ], ] and ] (Cerretains) – also maintained relations with the peoples of the Mediterranean. Some urban agglomerations became relevant, including Ilerda (]) inland, Hibera (perhaps ] or ]) or Indika (]). Coastal trading colonies were established by the ], who settled around the ], in Emporion (]) and ] in the ]. The ] briefly ruled the territory in the course of the ] and traded with ].
2. Planning and adoption of measures and specific instruments for the management and protection of water resources and aquatic and water-associated terrestrial ecosystems.
3. Extraordinary measures, when required, to guarantee water supply.
4. Organisation of water administration in Catalonia, including user participation.
5. Regulation and implementation of activities related to land consolidation and irrigation works.
2. In the terms established by State legislation, the Generalitat shall have executive powers concerning public water resources and works of general interest. In the same terms, the Generalitat shall participate in planning and programming works of general interest.
3. The Generalitat participates in hydrological planning and in the State bodies managing water resources and harnessing resources in intra-community basins. The Generalitat, within its territorial area, has executive power over:
1. Adoption of additional protection and sanitation measures for water resources and aquatic ecosystems.
2. Execution and exploitation of State-owned works, where established by agreement.
3. The policing powers concerning public water resources assigned by State legislation.
4. The Generalitat shall issue a mandatory report on all proposals for transfer from basins which imply a modification of water resources in its territory.
5. The Generalitat participates in hydrological planning for water resources and water exploitation installations located in Catalan territory or those of territories outside the Spanish State that terminate in Catalonia, in accordance with the mechanisms established in Title V and participates in the execution of said planning in the terms established by State legislation.


After the Carthaginian defeat by the ], the north-east of Iberia became the first to come under Roman rule and became part of ], the westernmost part of the ]. ] (modern ]) was one of the most important Roman cities in Hispania and the capital of the ] of ]. Other important cities of the Roman period are Ilerda (Lleida), Dertosa (Tortosa), Gerunda (Girona) as well as the ports of Empuriæ (former Emporion) and Barcino (]). As for the rest of Hispania, ] was granted to all cities under the reign of ] (69–79{{nbsp}}AD), while ] was granted to all free men of the empire by the ] in 212{{nbsp}}AD (Tarraco, the capital, was already a colony of ] since 45{{nbsp}}BC). It was a rich agricultural province (olive oil, wine, ]), and the first centuries of the Empire saw the construction of roads (the most important being the ], parallel to Mediterranean coastline) and infrastructure like ].
ARTICLE 118. ASSOCIATIONS AND FOUNDATIONS


Conversion to ], attested in the 3rd{{nbsp}}century, was completed in urban areas in the 4th{{nbsp}}century. Although Hispania remained under Roman rule and did not fall under the rule of ], ] and ] in the 5th{{nbsp}}century, the main cities suffered frequent sacking and some ].
1. While respecting the basic conditions established by the State to guarantee equality in the exercise of law and the reservation to organic law, the Generalitat has exclusive power over the legal system of the associations that carry out their functions mainly in Catalonia. This power includes in any case:
1. Regulation of the forms of association, denomination of associations, aims, constitution requirements, amendment, dissolution and liquidation, of content of the articles of association, governing bodies, rights and obligations of members, and of the obligations of associations and of associations of a special nature.
2. Determination of tax benefits for associations and the system for their application, as established by tax rules, and also declaration of public utility, the contents and requirements for obtaining this.
3. The register of associations.
2. The Generalitat has exclusive power over the legal system of foundations that carry out their functions mainly in Catalonia. This power includes in any case:
1. Regulation of the modalities of foundation, of denomination of foundations, of the aims and beneficiaries of the foundation; of funding capacity; of requirements for constitution, amendment, dissolution and liquidation; of the articles of association; of the endowment and foundation system in the process of formation; of the board of trustees and supervisory body, patrimony, and the economic and financial system.
2. Determination of tax benefits for foundations and the system for their application as established by tax rules.
3. The registry of foundations.
3. The Generalitat has the authority to set the criteria for, regulate the conditions of, and to implement and control public grants to associations and foundations.


=== Middle Ages ===
ARTICLE 119. HUNTING, FISHING, MARITIME ACTIVITIES AND ORGANISATION OF THE FISHING SECTOR
] ]]
After the fall of the ], the area was conquered by the ] and was ruled as part of the ] for almost two and a half centuries. In 718, it came under ] control and became part of ], a province of the ]. From the conquest of Roussillon in 760, to the ] of Barcelona in 801, the ] took control of the area between Septimania and the ] river from the Muslims and created heavily militarised, self-governing ]. These counties formed part of the historiographically known as the ] and ] Marches, a ] in the south of the Frankish Empire in the former province of Septimania and in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, to act as a defensive barrier for the Frankish Empire against further Muslim invasions from Al-Andalus.<ref>Ramos, Luis G-G (2002). ''Las Invasiones Bárbaras en Hispania y la Creación del Reino Visigodo''. Barcelona: Ariel. pp. 3–30. {{ISBN|978-84-344-6668-5}}</ref>
] (left), ] (right) and their son Alfonso II of Aragon and I of Barcelona, dynastic union of the ]]]
These counties came under the rule of the ], who were Frankish ]s nominated by the emperor of the Franks, to whom they were ] (801–988). The earliest known use of the name "]" for these counties dates to 1117. At the end of the 9th{{nbsp}}century, the Count of Barcelona ] (878–897) made his titles hereditaries and thus founded the dynasty of the ], which reigned in Catalonia until 1410.


]
1. The Generalitat has exclusive power over hunting and river fishing, which includes in any case:
]
1. Planning and regulation.
In 988 ], Count of Barcelona, did not recognise the new French king ] as his king, evidencing the loss of dependency from Frankish rule and confirming his successors (from ] onwards) as independent of the Capetian crown whom they regarded as usurpers of the Carolingian Frankish realm.<ref>Salrach, Josep Mª. ''Catalunya a la fi del primer mil·leni''. Pagès Editors, (Lleida, 2004) pp. 144–49.</ref> At the beginning of eleventh century the Catalan counties experienced an important process of feudalisation, however, the efforts of church's sponsored ] and the intervention of ], count of Barcelona (1035–1076) in the negotiations with the rebel nobility resulted in the partial restoration of the comital authority under the new feudal order. To fulfill that purpose, Ramon Berenguer began the modification of the legislation in the written ], being one of the first European compilations of feudal law.
2. The regulation of the system for administrative intervention in hunting and fishing, of supervision, and of hunting and fishing uses.
2. The Generalitat has exclusive power over sea and recreational fishing in continental waters, and also over regulation and management of fish stocks and delimitation of protected areas.
3. The Generalitat has exclusive power over maritime activities, including in any case:
1. Regulation and management of shellfish and fish farming and the establishment of requirements for the practice of these activities, and also the regulation and management of resources.
2. The regulation and management of installations intended for these activities.
3. Professional diving.
4. Training and certification in matters of leisure activities.
4. The Generalitat has shared power over planning of the fishing sector. This power includes, in any case, the organisation and administrative implementation measures in regard to the professional requirements for fishing activities, the construction, safety and official registry of vessels, fishing associations and fish markets.


In 1137, ] decided to accept ]'s proposal to receive the ] and to marry his daughter ], establishing the dynastic union of the County of Barcelona with Aragon, creating a composite monarchy later known as the ] and making the Catalan counties that were vassalized or merged with the County of Barcelona into a ] of the Aragonese Crown. During the reign of his son ], in 1173, Catalonia was regarded as a legal entity for the first time, while the Usages of Barcelona were compiled in the process to turn them into the law and custom of Catalonia (''Consuetudinem Cathalonie''), being considered one of the "milestones of Catalan political identity".<ref>Cingolani, Stefano Maria (2006). "Seguir les Vestígies dels Antecessors. Llinatge, Reialesa i Historiografia a Catalunya des de Ramon Berenguer IV a Pere II (1131–1285)", Anuario de Estudios Medievales, p 225.</ref>
ARTICLE 120. SAVINGS BANKS


In 1258, by means of the ], ] King of Aragon and ], king of Mallorca and of Valencia, renounced his family rights and dominions in ], while the king of France, ], formally relinquished to any historical claim of feudal lordship he might have over the Catalan counties, except the ], despite the opposition of king James.<ref name="Petit-Dutaillis2013">{{cite book|author=C. Petit-Dutaillis|title=The Feudal Monarchy in France and England|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vXr5AQAAQBAJ&pg=PA324|date=5 November 2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-136-20350-3|page=324|access-date=6 February 2019|archive-date=11 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220311110534/https://books.google.com/books?id=vXr5AQAAQBAJ&pg=PA324|url-status=live}}</ref> This treaty confirmed, from French point of view, the independence of the Catalan counties established and exercised during the previous three centuries, but also meant the irremediable separation between the geographical areas of Catalonia and ].
1. The Generalitat has exclusive power over regulation of the organisation of savings banks whose headquarters are in Catalonia, while respecting State provisions established in exercise of the powers attributed to it by Article 149.1.11 and 13 of the Constitution. This power includes in any case:
1. Determination of governing bodies and the manner in which the different social interests are represented on them.
2. The legal status of governing body members and other posts in savings banks.
3. The legal system governing creation, mergers, liquidation and registration.
4. Exercise of administrative powers in relation to any foundations they might create.
5. Regulation of groups of savings banks with registered headquarters in Catalonia.
2. In matters concerning savings banks whose headquarters are in Catalonia, the Generalitat has shared power over financial activity, in accordance with the principles, rules and minimum standards established by the State basic law, which includes, in any case, regulation of the distribution of surplus and of the social activities of savings banks. Similarly, the Generalitat shall monitor the process of issuing and distributing owner share titles, with the exception of those aspects relating to the system for public offerings, purchase of securities and admission to negotiation, to financial stability and to solvency.
3. In matters concerning saving banks whose headquarters are in Catalonia, the Generalitat has shared power over their discipline, inspection and sanctioning. This power includes in any case the establishment of additional infractions and sanctions in the sphere of its powers.
4. The Generalitat, in keeping with the provisions of State legislation, collaborates in the inspection and sanctioning of savings banks whose headquarters are in Catalonia implemented by the Ministry of the Treasury and the Bank of Spain.


As a coastal territory, Catalonia became the base of the Aragonese Crown's maritime forces, which spread the power of the Crown in the Mediterranean, turning Barcelona into a powerful and wealthy city. In the period of 1164–1410, new territories, the ], the ], the ], the ], and, briefly, the ] of ] and ], were incorporated into the dynastic domains of the ]. The expansion was accompanied by a great development of the Catalan trade, creating an extensive trade network across the Mediterranean which competed with those of the maritime republics of ] and ].
ARTICLE 121. TRADE AND TRADE FAIRS


At the same time, the ] developed a complex institutional and political system based in the concept of a pact between the ] and the king. The legislation of Catalonia had to be passed the ] (''Corts Catalanes''), one of the first parliamentary bodies of Europe that, since 1283, obtained the power to legislate with the monarch.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://usuarios.multimania.es/maarian/Catalunya/historiacataluna/las_cortes_catalanas_.htm|title=Las Cortes Catalanas y la primera Generalidad medieval (s. XIII–XIV)|access-date=21 January 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101019003946/http://usuarios.multimania.es/Maarian/Catalunya/historiacataluna/las_cortes_catalanas_.htm|archive-date=19 October 2010}}</ref> The Courts were composed of the three Estates organized into "arms" (''braços''), were presided over by the monarch, and approved the ], which established a compilation of rights for the inhabitants of the Principality. In order to collect general taxes, the Catalan Courts of 1359 established a permanent representative body, known as the "Deputation of the General" or ], which gained considerable political power over the next centuries.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916163434/https://web.gencat.cat/ca/generalitat/historia/la-diputacio-del-general/|date=16 September 2020}} gencat.cat</ref>
1. The Generalitat has exclusive power in matters of trade and trade fairs, including the regulation of non-international trade fair activities and the administrative planning of trading activity, which includes in any case:
1. Determination of the administrative conditions for exercising the activity and the locations and establishments which comply and the administrative regulation of electronic commerce or of commerce by any other medium.
2. Administrative regulation of all forms of sales and supply in relation to commercial activity, and promotional sales and sale at loss.
3. Regulation of trading hours, while respecting the constitutional principle of market unity.
4. Classification and territorial planning of commercial facilities and regulation of the requirements and the system for installation, extension and change of activity of the said commercial facilities.
5. Establishment and implementation of norms and quality standards related to commercial activity.
6. Adoption of administrative policing measures in relation to market discipline.
2. The Generalitat has exclusive power in matters of international trade fairs held in Catalonia. This power includes in any case:
1. Authorisation and declaration of an international trade fair.
2. Promotion, management and coordination.
3. Inspection, evaluation and accountability.
4. Establishment of internal regulations.
5. Appointment of a delegate to the management body for each trade fair.
3. The Generalitat collaborates with the State in establishing a calendar of international trade fairs.


]. The Principality of Catalonia appears in light green]]
ARTICLE 122. POPULAR CONSULTATION The Generalitat has exclusive power over the establishment of the legal system, the modalities, the procedure, the implementation and the calling, whether by the Generalitat or by local bodies, acting within their jurisdiction, of public opinion polls, public hearings, participation forums and any other instruments of popular consultation, with the exception of those provided for by Article 149.1.32 of the Constitution. ARTICLE 123. CONSUMER AFFAIRS The Generalitat has exclusive power in matters of consumer affairs. This power includes in any case:
The domains of the Aragonese Crown were severely affected by the ] pandemic and by later outbreaks of the ]. Between 1347 and 1497 Catalonia lost 37{{nbsp}}percent of its population.<ref>According to John Huxtable Elliott, "Between 1347 and 1497 the Principality had lost 37% of its inhabitants, and was reduced to a population of something like 300,000." {{cite book|author=]|title=The revolt of the Catalans: a study in the decline of Spain (1598–1640) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=X2Hf-crzPjUC&pg=PA26|year=1984|publisher=]|isbn=0-521-27890-2|page=26|access-date=9 November 2020|archive-date=11 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220311111240/https://books.google.com/books?id=X2Hf-crzPjUC&pg=PA26|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1410, the last reigning monarch of the House of Barcelona, King ] died without surviving descendants. Under the ] (1412), the representatives of the kingdoms of Aragon, Valencia and the Principality of Catalonia appointed ] from the Castilian ] as King of the Crown of Aragon.<ref name=Reilly>{{cite book|last=Reilly|first=Bernard|title=The Medieval Spain|year=1993|publisher=]|location=Cambridge|isbn=0-521-39436-8}}</ref> During the reign of his son, ], the persistent economic crisis and social and political tensions in the Principality led to the ] (1462–1472) and the ] (1462–1486) that left Catalonia exhausted. The ] (1486) liberated the ] peasants from the feudal ].


In the later Middle Ages, ] flourished in Catalonia proper and in the kingdoms of Majorca and Valencia, with such remarkable authors as the philosopher ], the Valencian poet ], and ], author of the novel '']'', published in 1490.
1.
1. Defence of consumers' and users' rights, as proclaimed in Article 28, and the establishment and application of administrative procedures for complaints and claims.
2. Regulation and promotion of consumer and user associations, and of their participation in any procedures and matters which affect them.
3. Regulation of mediation bodies and procedures in matters of consumer affairs.
4. Consumer training and education.
5. The regulation of information regarding consumers and users.


=== Modern era ===
ARTICLE 124. COOPERATIVES AND THE SOCIAL ECONOMY
] (1608)]]
], the grandson of Ferdinand I, and Queen ] were married in 1469, later taking the title the ]; subsequently, this event was seen by historiographers as the dawn of a unified Spain. At this time, though united by marriage, the Crowns of ] and ] maintained distinct territories, each keeping its own traditional institutions, parliaments, laws and currency.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Imperial Spain 1469–1716 |last=Huxtable|first=Elliott, J. H. (John)|date=2002|publisher=Penguin|isbn=0141007036|location=London|oclc=49691947}}</ref> Castile commissioned expeditions to the ] and benefited from the riches acquired in the ], but, in time, also carried the main burden of military expenses of the united Spanish kingdoms. After Isabella's death, Ferdinand II personally ruled both crowns.


By virtue of descent from his maternal grandparents, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, in 1516 ] became the first king to rule the Crowns of Castile and Aragon simultaneously by his own right. Following the death of his paternal (]) grandfather, ], he was also elected ], in 1519.<ref>{{cite web|last=Encyclopædia Britannica online|title=Charles V|url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/107009/Charles-V|access-date=3 October 2012|archive-date=1 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001224341/http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/107009/Charles-V|url-status=live}}</ref>
1. The Generalitat has exclusive power over matters affecting cooperatives.
2. The power which Section 1 refers to includes the organisation and functioning of cooperatives, which includes in any case:
1. Their definition, denomination and classification.
2. Criteria for the establishment of registered offices.
3. Criteria governing operation.
4. Requirements for constitution, modification of articles of association, mergers, splits, transformation, dissolution and liquidation.
5. Qualification, registration and certification in the corresponding registry.
6. The rights and obligations of members.
7. The economic system and company documentation.
8. Conciliation and mediation.
9. Cooperative groups and forms of economic cooperation for cooperatives.
3. The power referred to in Section 1 above includes in any case regulation and promotion of the cooperative movement especially to promote forms of participation in companies, access of workers to the means of production, and social and territorial cohesion. Regulation and promotion of the cooperative movement includes:
1. The regulation of cooperative associations.
2. Cooperative education and training.
3. Establishment of criteria, the regulation of requirements, and the execution and control of public subsidies to cooperatives.
4. The Generalitat has exclusive power over the promotion and organisation of the social economy sector.


]'' (7 June 1640), one of the main events of the Reaper's War. Painted in 1910]]
ARTICLE 125. PUBLIC LAW CORPORATIONS AND CERTIFIED PROFESSIONS
Over the next few centuries, the Principality of Catalonia was generally on the losing side of a series of wars that led steadily to an increased centralization of power in Spain. Despite this fact, between the 16th and 18th centuries, the participation of the political community in the local and the general Catalan government grew (thus consolidating its constitutional system), while the kings remained absent, represented by a ]. Tensions between Catalan institutions and the monarchy began to arise. The large and burdensome presence of the Spanish royal army in the Principality due to the ] led to an uprising of peasants, provoking the ] (1640–1652), which saw Catalonia rebel (briefly as a ] led by the president of the Generalitat, ]) with French help against the Spanish Crown for overstepping Catalonia's rights during the ].<ref>Gelderen, Martin van; Skinner, Quentin (2002). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016133313/https://books.google.com/books?id=H1ZgD7vlFLYC&lpg=PA284&hl=en&pg=PA284|date=16 October 2020}}. Cambridge University Press. p. 284. {{ISBN|9781139439619}}</ref> Within a brief period France took full control of Catalonia. Most of Catalonia was reconquered by the Spanish monarchy but Catalan rights were mostly recognised. ] and half of Cerdanya was lost to France by the ] (1659).<ref name=pyrconditions>{{cite book|last=Maland|first=David|title=Europe in the Seventeenth Century|publisher=Macmillan|year=1991|edition=Second|pages=227|isbn=0-333-33574-0}}</ref>


The most significant conflict concerning the governing monarchy was the ] (1701–1715), which began when the childless ], the last Spanish Habsburg, died without an heir in 1700. Charles II had chosen ] from the French ]. Catalonia, like other territories that formed the Crown of Aragon, rose up in support of the Austrian Habsburg pretender ], in his claim for the Spanish throne as Charles III of Spain. The fight between the houses of Bourbon and Habsburg for the Spanish Crown split Spain and Europe.
1. The Generalitat has exclusive power over matters affecting professional associations, academies, chambers of agriculture, chambers of commerce, industry and navigation, and other public law corporations representing economic and professional interests, with the exception provided for by Sections 2 and 3. While respecting the provisions of Articles 36 and 139 of the Constitution, this power includes in any case:
1. Regulation of the internal organisation, functioning, and economic, budgetary and accounting system, and also of the system of association and membership, the rights and obligations of members, and the disciplinary system.
2. The creation and attribution of functions.
3. Administrative supervision.
4. The electoral system and electoral procedures applicable to the election of the corporation members.
5. Determination of territorial limits and possible grouping within Catalonia.
2. The Generalitat has shared power over definition of the corporations referred to in Section 1 above, and over the requirements for their creation and for membership.
3. In the case of a previous agreement between the Generalitat and the State, the chambers of commerce, industry and navigation may carry out activities in relation to foreign trade for which they may allocate chamber resources.
4. While respecting the general rules on academic and professional qualifications and the provisions of Articles 36 and 139 of the Constitution, the Generalitat has exclusive power over the exercise of certified professions, which includes in any case:
1. Determination of the requirements and conditions for practice of certified professions, and also the rights and obligations of certified professionals and of the system of incompatibilities.
2. Regulation of administrative guarantees against practice without proper qualifications and irregular activities, and also regulation of mandatory professional service provision.
3. The disciplinary system for the practice of certified professions.


The ] on 11 September 1714 to the ] king ] militarily ended the Habsburg claim to the Spanish Crown, which became legal fact in the ]. Philip felt that he had been betrayed by the Catalan Courts, as it had initially sworn its loyalty to him when he had presided over it in 1701. In retaliation for the betrayal, and inspired by the French model, the first Bourbon king enacted the ] of 1707, 1715 and 1716, incorporating the realms of the Crown of Aragon, including the Principality of Catalonia in 1716, as provinces of the Crown of Castile, terminating their status as separate states along with their parliaments, institutions and ], as well as their {{not a typo|pactist}} politics, within a French-style centralized and ] kingdom of Spain.<ref>Mercader, J. ''Felip V i Catalunya''. (Barcelona, 1968).</ref> In the second half of the 17th century and the 18th century (excluding the parentesis of the Succession War and the post-war inestability) Catalonia carried out a successful process of economic growth and ], reinforced in the late quarter of the century when Castile's trade monopoly with American colonies ended.
ARTICLE 126. CREDIT, BANKS, INSURANCE AND MUTUAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES NOT INCLUDED IN THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM


==== The beginning of the Spanish nation state ====
1. The Generalitat has exclusive power over the structure, organisation and functioning of mutual pension societies not included in the social security system.
After the ], the assimilation of the ] by the ] through the ] was the first step in the creation of the Spanish ]. <ref>Simon, Antoni. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605094401/https://roderic.uv.es/handle/10550/34591|date=5 June 2022}}, páginas 45–46, ''L'Espill'', nº 24, Universitat de València.</ref> These nationalist policies, sometimes very aggressive,<ref>{{cite book|isbn=978-8429723632|last=Ferrer Gironès|publisher=Edicions 62|language=ca|first=Francesc|pages=320|title=La persecució política de la llengua catalana|year=1985}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|isbn=84-7826-620-8|last=Benet|date=1995|publisher=Publicacions de l'Abadia de Montserrat|language=ca|first=Josep|title=L'intent franquista de genocidi cultural contra Catalunya}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|isbn=9788418434983|last=Lluís|publisher=Base|language=ca|first=García Sevilla|pages=300|title=Recopilació d'accions genocides contra la nació catalana|year=2021}}</ref><ref name=":03">{{cite book|isbn=9788418849107|last=Llaudó Avila|date=2021|edition=7a|publisher=Parcir|location=Manresa|first=Eduard|title=Racisme i supremacisme polítics a l'Espanya contemporània}}</ref> and still in force,<ref>{{cite web|editor=Plataforma per la llengua|url=https://www.plataforma-llengua.cat/media/upload/pdf/novetats_legislatives_en_materia_linguistic02_1571310685.pdf|title=Novetats legislatives en matèria lingüística aprovades el 2018 que afecten els territoris de parla catalana |access-date=22 May 2022|archive-date=20 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020181407/https://www.plataforma-llengua.cat/media/upload/pdf/novetats_legislatives_en_materia_linguistic02_1571310685.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|editor=Plataforma per la llengua|url=https://plataforma-llengua.cat/media/upload/arxius/ambits-treball/Drets%20Ling%C3%BC%C3%ADstics/Novetats_legislatives_en_mat%C3%A8ria_ling%C3%BC%C3%ADstic-2019-ok.pdf|title=Novetats legislatives en matèria lingüística aprovades el 2019 que afecten els territoris de parla catalana |access-date=22 May 2022|archive-date=27 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327162711/https://plataforma-llengua.cat/media/upload/arxius/ambits-treball/Drets%20Ling%C3%BC%C3%ADstics/Novetats_legislatives_en_mat%C3%A8ria_ling%C3%BC%C3%ADstic-2019-ok.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|editor=Plataforma per la llengua|url=https://www.plataforma-llengua.cat/media/upload/pdf/linguisticcossospolicials_1576579756.pdf|date=2019|title=Comportament lingüístic davant dels cossos policials espanyols|access-date=22 May 2022|archive-date=20 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020181419/https://www.plataforma-llengua.cat/media/upload/pdf/linguisticcossospolicials_1576579756.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> have been and are the seed of repeated territorial conflicts within the state.
2. The Generalitat has shared power over the structure, organisation and function of credit entities which are not savings banks, of credit cooperatives and pension plan and fund management entities and of physical and legal entities operating in the insurance market other than those referred to in Section 1, in accordance with the principles, rules and minimum standards established by the State basic law.
3. The Generalitat has shared power over the activity of the entities referred to in Sections 1 and 2. This power includes the regulated implementation acts attributed to it by State legislation.
4. The Generalitat has shared powers over discipline, inspection and sanction of the entities referred to in Section 2 above.


=== Late modern history ===
ARTICLE 127. CULTURE
] (1809), ] against Napoleon]]


At the beginning of the nineteenth century, Catalonia was severely affected by the ]. In 1808, it was occupied by French troops under general ] after he conquered Barcelona; the resistance against the occupation eventually developed into the ]. The rejection of French dominion was institutionalized with the creation of "juntas" (councils) who, remaining loyal to the Bourbons, exercised the sovereignty and representation of the territory due to the disappearance of the old institutions. Napoleon took direct control of Catalonia to reestablish order, creating the Government of Catalonia under the rule of ], and making Catalan briefly an official language again. Between 1812 and 1814, Catalonia was annexed to France and organized as four ].<ref>''{{cite web|url=http://www.histoire-empire.org/departements/france_modifications.htm|title=Les modifications intérieures de la France|access-date=24 January 2019|archive-date=19 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519002900/http://www.histoire-empire.org/departements/france_modifications.htm|url-status=live}}''</ref> The French troops evacuated Catalan territory at the end of 1814. After the Bourbon restoration in Spain and the death of the absolutist king ] (1833), ] erupted against the newly established ] of ]. Catalonia was divided, with the coastal and most industrialized areas supporting liberalism, while most of the countryside were in the hands of the ]; the latter proposed to reestablish the institutional systems suppressed by the Nueva Planta decrees in the ancient realms of the Crown of Aragon. The consolidation of the liberal state saw a new provincial division of Spain, including Catalonia, which was divided into four provinces (Barcelona, Girona, Lleida and Tarragona).
1. The Generalitat has exclusive power over cultural matters. This exclusive power includes in any case:
1. Artistic and cultural activities carried out in Catalonia, including: First. Measures related to the production and distribution of books and periodical publications in all forms, and management of copyright and the granting of identification codes. Second. Regulation and inspection of cinemas, protection measures for the film industry, and control over and award of dubbing licences to distribution companies whose headquarters are in Catalonia. Third. Rating of films and audiovisual material according to age and cultural values. Fourth. Promotion, planning, construction and management of cultural facilities located in Catalonia. Fith. Establishment of tax incentive measures for those cultural activities over which the Generalitat has regulatory authority regarding taxes.
2. Cultural heritage, including in any case: First. Regulation and execution of measures aimed at guaranteeing the enrichment and dissemination of the cultural heritage of Catalonia, and at facilitating access to it. Second. Inspection, inventory-keeping and restoration of architectural, archaeological, scientific, technical, historical, artistic, ethnological and general cultural heritage. Third. Establishment of the legal system for activities in relation to movable and unmovable assets that form part of the cultural heritage of Catalonia, determination of the legal system affecting unmovable assets, and declaration and management of these assets, with the exception of those in the ownership of the State. Fourth. Protection of the cultural heritage of Catalonia, which includes conservation, repair, supervision and control of assets, without prejudice to the State authority for the defence of assets comprising this cultural heritage against exportation and plundering.
3. Archives, libraries, museums and other cultural heritage centres not owned by the State, including in any case: First. Creation, management, protection and establishment of the legal system concerning the centres that integrate the archive and library system, the museums, and other cultural heritage centres. Second. Establishment of the legal system of documentary, bibliographical and cultural assets stored in these centres. Third. The conservation and recovery of assets that form part of the Catalan bibliographic and documentary heritage.
4. The promotion of culture, including: First. Promotion and dissemination of theatrical, musical, audiovisual, literary, dance, circus and combined-art creations and productions carried out in Catalonia. Second. Promotion and dissemination of the cultural, artistic and monumental heritage and cultural heritage centres in Catalonia. Third. The international projection of Catalan culture.
2. The Generalitat has executive power over archives, libraries, museums and cultural heritage centres owned by the State and located in Catalonia and whose management the State does not reserve for itself. This power includes in any case the regulation of their functioning, organisation and staffing system.
3. In actions carried out by the State in Catalonia in matters of investment in cultural assets and equipment, previous agreement is required with the Generalitat. In the case of activities carried out by the State in relation to the international projection of culture, the Government of the State and the Government of the Generalitat shall articulate formulas for mutual collaboration and cooperation, in accordance with the provisions of Title V of this Estatut.


] during the ], 1909]]
ARTICLE 128. GEOGRAPHICAL AND QUALITY DENOMINATIONS AND INDICATIONS
In the second third of the 19th{{nbsp}}century, Catalonia became an important industrial center, particularly focused on ]. This process was a consequence of the conditions of proto-industrialisation of textile production in the prior two centuries, growing capital from wine and brandy export,
<ref>{{cite book|first=Francesc|last=Valls Junyent|year=2004|title=La Catalunya atlàntica: aiguardent i teixits a l'arrencada industrial catalana|trans-title=Atlantic Catalonia: brandy and textiles at the beginning of the catalan industrialisation|location=Vic| language=ca| publisher=Eumo|isbn=84-9766-044-7}}</ref>{{rp|page=27}}
and was later boosted by the government support for domestic manufacturing. In 1832, the ] in Barcelona became the first factory in the country to make use of the ].
<ref>{{Cite book|first=J.K.J.|last=Thomson|title=A distinctive industrialisation. Cotton in Barcelona 1728–1832|year=1992|isbn=0-521-39482-1|language=en|publisher=Cambridge University Press|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FLfvq7-5_a8C|access-date=14 July 2022|archive-date=25 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425120734/https://books.google.com/books?id=FLfvq7-5_a8C|url-status=live}}</ref>{{rp|page=308}}
The first railway on the Iberian Peninsula was built between Barcelona and ] in 1848.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}} A policy to encourage ] also saw the textile industry flourish in the countryside in the 1860s and 1870s. Although the policy of Spanish governments oscillated between free trade and protectionism, {{ill|protectionist laws|es|Ley de Relaciones Comerciales con las Antillas|vertical-align=sup}} become more common. To this day Catalonia remains one of the most industrialised areas of Spain.


In the same period, Barcelona was the focus of industrial conflict and revolutionary uprisings known as "bullangues". In Catalonia, a ] current began to develop among the progressives, attrackting many Catalans who favored the federalisation of Spain. Meanwhile, the Catalan language saw a ] cultural renaissance from the second third of the century onwards, the '']'', among both the working class and the bourgeoisie. Right after the fall of the ] (1873–1874) and the subsequent restoration of the Bourbon dynasty (1874), Catalan nationalism began to be organized politically under the leadership of the republican federalist ].
1. The Generalitat, while respecting the provisions of Article 149.1.13 of the Constitution, has exclusive power over denominations of origin and other quality indications, including the legal system covering their creation and functioning, which also includes:
1. Determination of possible levels of protection for products, their associated system and requirements, and the rights and obligations arising from them.
2. Ownership of the denominations, while respecting industrial property legislation.
3. Regulation of forms and requirements for production and sale of corresponding products, and the applicable sanction system.
4. The system of administrative organisation of denominations of origin, or indications of quality, regarding both management and control of production and sale.
2. The power referred to in Section 1 above includes recognition of denominations or indications, approval of the regulations, and all the administrative powers of management and control over activities in relation to denominations or indications, especially those deriving from possible administrative supervision of the denomination bodies and from the exercise of sanctioning powers in relation to infractions of the denomination system.
3. Should the territory of a denomination of origin extend beyond Catalan borders, the Generalitat exercises its functions of management and control over the activities of the denomination bodies for land and facilities located in Catalonia, under the terms established by law. The Generalitat participates in the denomination bodies and in the exercise of their management powers.
4. In its territory, the Generalitat exercises the obligations of protection resulting from the recognition by the Generalitat itself of a denomination of origin or of a protected geographical indication. The corresponding authorities collaborate in the protection of Catalan geographical and quality denominations outside Catalan territory and before the corresponding European and international protection institutions.


] proclaiming the Catalan Republic on 14 April 1931 in Barcelona]]
ARTICLE 129. CIVIL LAW The Generalitat has exclusive power in matters of civil law, with the exception of those matters which Article 149.1.8 of the Constitution attributes to the State in any case. This power includes determination of the system of sources of the civil law of Catalonia. ARTICLE 130. PROSECUTION LAW The Generalitat has authority to dictate the specific prosecution rules resulting from the particular nature of substantive law in Catalonia. ARTICLE 131. EDUCATION
The ] movement had been active throughout the last quarter of the 19th century and the early 20th century, founding the ] trade union in 1910 and achieving one of the first ] in Europe in 1919.<ref>{{cite book|title=]|last=Meaker|first=Gerald H.|date=1974|publisher=]|page= ff|isbn=0-8047-0845-2}}</ref> Growing resentment of conscription and of the military culminated in the ] (Catalan: ''Setmana Tràgica'') in Barcelona in 1909. Under the hegemony of the ], Catalonia gained a degree of administrative unity for the first time in the Modern era. In 1914, the four Catalan provinces were authorized to create a ] (Catalan: ''Mancomunitat de Catalunya''), lacking any legislative power or specific political autonomy, which carried out an ambitious program of modernization, but it was disbanded in 1925 by the dictatorship of ] (1923–1930). During the final stage of the Dictatorship, with Spain beginning to suffer an economic crisis, Barcelona hosted the ].<ref name="MonclúsFraga2006">{{cite book|author1=Monclús, Francisco Javier|author2=Francisco Javier Monclús Fraga|title=Exposiciones internacionales y urbanismo: el proyecto Expo Zaragoza 2008 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2d6KJ2VnfAkC&pg=PA48|year=2006|publisher=Univ. Politèc. de Catalunya|isbn=978-84-8301-893-4|page=48|access-date=24 January 2019|archive-date=19 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519024403/https://books.google.com/books?id=2d6KJ2VnfAkC&pg=PA48|url-status=live}}</ref>


After the fall of the dictatorship and a brief proclamation of the ], during the events of the proclamation of the ] (14–17{{nbsp}}April{{nbsp}}1931),<ref>Roglan, Joaquim (2006). ''14 d'abril: la Catalunya republicana (1931–1939)''. Cossetània Edicions, p.13 {{ISBN|8497912039}}</ref> Catalonia received, in 1932, its ] from the Spanish Republic's Parliament, granting it a considerable degree of self-government, establishing an autonomous body, the Generalitat of Catalonia, which included a ], an executive and a ]. The left-wing pro-independence leader ] was appointed its first president. Under the Statute, Catalan became an official language. The governments of the ], led by the ] (ERC) leaders Francesc Macià (1931–1933) and ] (1933–1940), sought to implement a modernizing and progressive social agenda, despite the internal difficulties. This period was marked by political unrest, the effects of the economic crisis and their social repercussions. The Statute of Autonomy was suspended in 1934, due to the ] in Barcelona, as a response{{clarify|date=January 2019}} to the accession of right-wing Spanish nationalist party ] to the government of the Republic, considered close to ].<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Finestres|first1=Jordi|last2=López|first2=Manel|title=Entre la revolució i l'estelada|journal=Sàpiens|year=2014|location=Barcelona|language=ca|issn=1695-2014|pages=31–32}}</ref> After the electoral victory of the left wing ] in February 1936, the Government of Catalonia was pardoned and the self-government was restored.
1. The Generalitat has exclusive power, in non-university education, over post-compulsory teaching that does not lead to academic or professional certification valid in all the State, and over the educational centres in which this teaching is carried out.
2. The Generalitat has exclusive power in non-university education, in relation to compulsory and non-compulsory subjects that lead to an academic or professional qualification valid in all the State and in relation to infant education, including:
1. Regulation of participative and consultative bodies of the sectors involved in educational planning in its territory.
2. Determination of the educational content of the first cycle of infant education and the regulation of the centres is which this cycle is taught, and also definition of the staffing arrangements and the qualifications and specialisations of the other staff.
3. Creation, organisational development and the overall system of public centres.
4. Inspection, internal evaluation of the education system, educational innovation, research and experimentation, and also ensuring the quality of the education system.
5. The system for promoting study, scholarships and grants through their own funds.
6. Continuous training and improvement of teaching staff and other education system staff and approval of human resources directives.
7. The educational services and the complementary extra-curricular activities related to public educational centres and to private educational centres supported with public funds.
8. Organisational aspects of distance teaching aimed at students above the compulsory school-leaving age.
3. In those matters not regulated by Section 2 and in relation to the education referred to in said Section, the Generalitat has shared power, while respecting the fundamental aspects of the right to education and to freedom in teaching in non-university education and in accordance with the provisions of Article 149.1.30 of the Constitution. This power includes in any case:
1. Programming of teaching, its definition and general evaluation of the education system.
2. Organisation of the education sector and of teaching and educational activity.
3. Establishment of suitable syllabuses, including curriculum planning.
4. The system to promote study, and State grants and aids.
5. Access to education, and establishment and regulation of the criteria for admission and teaching of students in educational centres.
6. The system for maintenance with public funds of the teaching provided in the education system and the centres providing it.
7. Requirements and conditions of educational and teaching centres.
8. Organisation of public centres and private centres supported with public funds.
9. Participation of the education community in control and in management of public educational centres and of private centres supported with public funds.
10. Acquisition and loss of educational civil servant status for teachers in the employ of the education authorities, development of their basic rights and obligations and also the policy concerning personnel in the employ of the educational administration.
4. The Generalitat has executive power, in non-university education, over the issue and approval of State academic and professional qualifications.


=== Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) and Franco's rule (1939–1975) ===
ARTICLE 132. EMERGENCIES AND CIVIL PROTECTION
{{main|Revolutionary Catalonia|Francoist Catalonia}}
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The defeat of the ] placed Catalonia firmly in the ] of the ]. During the war, there were two rival powers in Catalonia: the de jure power of the Generalitat and the de facto power of the armed popular militias.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Spanish Civil war: Revolution and counter-revolution.|last=Bolloten|first=Burnett|author-link=Burnett Bolloten|year=1991|publisher=]|pages=388–389}}</ref> Violent confrontations between the workers' parties (] and ] against the ]) culminated in the defeat of the first ones in 1937. The situation resolved itself progressively in favor of the Generalitat, but at the same time the Generalitat lost most of its autonomous powers within Republican Spain. In 1938 Franco's troops broke the Republican territory in two, isolating Catalonia from the rest of the Republican territory. The defeat of the Republican army in the ] led in 1938 and 1939 to the occupation of Catalonia by Franco's forces.


The defeat of the Spanish Republic in the ] brought to power the dictatorship of ], whose first ten-year rule was particularly violent, autocratic, and repressive both in a political, cultural, social, and economical sense.<ref>] (1999). ''Fascism in Spain, 1923–1977'', pp. 476–477. Univ. of Wisconsin Press.</ref> In Catalonia, any kind of public activities associated with ], ], ], ], ], ] or ], including the publication of books on those subjects or simply discussion of them in open meetings, was banned. ] in ], 1940]] Franco's regime banned the use of Catalan in government-run institutions and during public events, and the Catalan institutions of self-government were abolished. The pro-Republic of Spain president of Catalonia, ], was taken to Spain from his exile in the German-occupied France and was tortured and executed in the ] of Barcelona for the crime of 'military rebellion'.<ref>]. (2012). ''The Spanish Holocaust''. Harper Press. London p. 493.</ref>
1. The Generalitat has exclusive power over civil protection, which includes, in any case, regulation, planning and implementation of measures related to emergencies and civil security and safety matters, and management and coordination of civil protection services, including fire prevention and fire-fighting services, without prejudice to the powers of local government authorities in this matter and respecting State provisions established in exercise of its powers in matters of public safety.
2. For emergencies and civil protection issues which extend beyond Catalonia, the Generalitat shall promote mechanisms for cooperation with other autonomous communities and with the State.
3. The Generalitat has executive power in matters of maritime rescue operations, in the terms determined by State legislation.
4. The Generalitat participates in the execution of matters concerning nuclear safety, in the terms agreed in the agreements signed to this effect and, where appropriate, by law.


During later stages of ], certain folkloric and religious celebrations in Catalan resumed and were tolerated. Use of Catalan in the ] had been forbidden but was permitted from the early 1950s<ref>{{cite book|author=Ross|title=Cultural Contestation in Ethnic Conflict|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Oe4popSDfW0C&pg=PA139|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-1-139-46307-2|page=139|date=3 May 2007|access-date=9 November 2020|archive-date=11 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220311112038/https://books.google.com/books?id=Oe4popSDfW0C&pg=PA139|url-status=live}}</ref> in the theatre. Despite the ban during the first years and the difficulties of the next period, publishing in Catalan continued throughout his rule.<ref>{{citation|title=The Resurgence of Catalan|first=Earl W.|last=Thomas|journal=Hispania|volume=45|issue=1|date=March 1962|pages=43–48|doi=10.2307/337523|jstor=337523}}</ref>
ARTICLE 133. ENERGY AND MINES


The years after the war were extremely hard. Catalonia, like many other parts of Spain, had been devastated by the war. Recovery from the war damage was slow and made more difficult by the international trade embargo and the ] politics of Franco's regime. By the late 1950s, the region had recovered its pre-war economic levels and in the 1960s was the second-fastest growing economy in the world in what became known as the ]. During this period there was a spectacular<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Albaladejo|first1=Isabel P.|last2=Gonzalez-Martinez|first2=Maria Isabel|last3=Martinez-Garcia|first3=Maria Pilar|title=A Double Life Cycle in Tourism Arrivals to Spain: Unit Root Tests with Gradual Change Analysis|year=2020|volume=18|page=100497|journal=Journal of Destination Marketing & Management|doi=10.1016/j.jdmm.2020.100497|pmc=7577662}}</ref> growth of industry and tourism in Catalonia that drew large numbers of workers to the region from across Spain and made the area around Barcelona one of Europe's largest industrial metropolitan areas.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}
1. The Generalitat has shared power over energy. This power includes in any case:
1. Regulation of activities concerning energy production, storage and transport, the issue of licences to facilities operating wholly within Catalan territory, and inspection and control of all facilities located in Catalonia.
2. Regulation of energy distribution within Catalonia, the issue of licences to the corresponding facilities, and inspection and control of all facilities located in Catalonia.
3. Implementation of additional quality standards for energy supply services.
4. Fostering and management of renewable energy sources and promotion of energy efficiency.
2. The Generalitat participates, by means of the issue of a preliminary report, in the proceedings for granting licences to energy production and transport facilities which extend beyond Catalan territory or if the energy is used outside this territory.
3. The Generalitat participates in energy sector regulation and planning at State level that affects the territory of Catalonia.
4. The Generalitat has shared power over the mining system. This power includes, in any case, regulation, the system for administrative intervention and control over mines and the mining resources located in the territory of Catalonia and over any mining activities that take place in Catalonia.


=== Transition and democratic period (1975–''present'') ===
ARTICLE 134. SPORT AND LEISURE
] of ] during the ]]]
After Franco's death in 1975, Catalonia voted for the adoption of a democratic Spanish Constitution in 1978, in which Catalonia recovered political and cultural autonomy, restoring the Generalitat (exiled since the end of the Civil War in 1939) in 1977 and adopting a ] in 1979, which defined Catalonia as a "nationality". The ] to the Parliament of Catalonia under this Statute gave the Catalan presidency to ], leader of ] (CiU), a center-right Catalan nationalist electoral coalition, with Pujol re-elected until 2003. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the institutions of Catalan autonomy were deployed, among them an autonomous police force, the ], in 1983,<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929085556/https://mossos.gencat.cat/ca/els_mossos_desquadra/historia_de_la_pg-me/|date=29 September 2020}} mossos.gencat.cat</ref> and the broadcasting network ] and its first channel ], created in 1983.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923021301/https://www.ccma.cat/corporatiu/en/historia/|date=23 September 2020}} ccma.cat</ref> An extensive program of normalization of Catalan language was carried out. Today, Catalonia remains one of the most economically dynamic communities of Spain. The Catalan capital and largest city, Barcelona, is a major international cultural centre and a major tourist destination. In 1992, ] the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://olympics.com/ioc/news/barcelona-1992-a-city-turning-towards-the-sea-and-winning-the-hearts-of-the-world|title=Barcelona 1992: a city turning towards the sea and winning the hearts of the world|publisher=]|date=22 July 2022|access-date=18 February 2024|archive-date=2 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002102449/https://olympics.com/ioc/news/barcelona-1992-a-city-turning-towards-the-sea-and-winning-the-hearts-of-the-world|url-status=live}}</ref>


==== Independence movement ====
1. The Generalitat has exclusive power over sport, which includes in any case:
{{Main|Catalan independence movement|2017–18 Spanish constitutional crisis}}
1. Fostering, dissemination, planning, coordination, execution, consultancy, implantation and projection of the practice of physical activity and of sport throughout Catalonia, at all social levels.
In November 2003, elections to the Parliament of Catalonia gave the government to a left-wing Catalanist coalition formed by the ] (PSC-PSOE), ] (ERC) and ] (ICV), and the socialist ] was appointed president. The new government redacted a ], with the aim of consolidate and expand certain aspects of self-government.
2. Organisation of mediation bodies in matters concerning sports.
3. Regulation of sports training and fostering of technical training and elite sports performance.
4. Establishment of the legal system for sporting federations and clubs and Catalan entities that promote and organise the practice of sport and physical activity within Catalonia, and declaration of the public utility of sporting entities.
5. Regulation in matters of sporting, competitive and electoral discipline of entities that promote and organise the practice of sport.
6. Fostering and promotion of sports associations.
7. Registration of entities that promote and organise the practice of physical and sporting activity and that have their headquarters in Catalonia.
8. Planning of the network of sports facilities in Catalonia and the promotion of its use.
9. Medical and health control and monitoring of individuals who practice physical and sporting activity.
10. Regulation in matters of prevention and control of violence at public sporting events, while respecting the powers reserved to the State concerning public safety.
11. Ensuring the health of spectators and other individuals involved in the organisation and the carrying out of physical and sporting activity, and safety and health control of sporting facilities.
12. Development of scientific research in sport matters.
2. The Generalitat participates in entities and bodies, at State, European and international level, whose purpose is the development of sport.
3. The Generalitat has exclusive power over leisure and this includes, in any case, fostering and regulation of activities that take place in the territory of Catalonia and the legal system concerning entities whose purpose is the carrying out of leisure activities.
4. The Generalitat participates in entities and bodies, at the State, European and international level, whose purpose is development of leisure.


The new Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia, approved after a referendum in 2006, was contested by important sectors of the Spanish society, especially by the conservative ], which sent the law to the ]. In 2010, the Court declared non-valid some of the articles that established an autonomous Catalan system of Justice, improved aspects of the financing, a new territorial division, the status of Catalan language or the symbolical declaration of Catalonia as a nation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vilaweb.cat/noticia/3748884/20100629/sentencia-lestatut-obre-nova-era-politica-catalunya.html|title=Anàlisi de les retallades a l'estatut de Catalunya|last=associats|first=Partal, Maresma i|access-date=13 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913152842/http://www.vilaweb.cat/noticia/3748884/20100629/sentencia-lestatut-obre-nova-era-politica-catalunya.html|archive-date=13 September 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> This decision was severely contested by large sectors of Catalan society, which increased the demands of independence.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ara.cat/especials/gentada-centre-Barcelona-mitja-manifestacio_0_772122901.html|title=Un milió i mig de manifestants per la independència de Catalunya|access-date=13 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918025513/http://www.ara.cat/especials/gentada-centre-Barcelona-mitja-manifestacio_0_772122901.html|archive-date=18 September 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
ARTICLE 135. STATISTICS


], ], addresses the crowd following the unilateral declaration of independence on 27 October.]]
1. The Generalitat has exclusive power over statistics of interest to the Generalitat. This power includes in any case:
A controversial ] was held in Catalonia on 1 October 2017, using a disputed voting process.<ref name="ElPais03102017">{{cite web|url=https://elpais.com/elpais/2017/10/01/inenglish/1506858911_482600.html|title=Did the referendum comply with basic voting regulations?|date=3 October 2017|work=]|access-date=5 October 2017|archive-date=19 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219083639/https://elpais.com/elpais/2017/10/01/inenglish/1506858911_482600.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/happened-catalonias-vote-independence-whats-next/|title=What happened with Catalonia's vote for independence – and what's next|last=Epatko|first=Larisa|date=4 October 2017|work=]|access-date=4 October 2017|archive-date=18 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018212431/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/happened-catalonias-vote-independence-whats-next/|url-status=live}}</ref> It was declared illegal and suspended by the ], because it breached the ].<ref name="boe2162017">{{cite web|url=https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2017/09/08/pdfs/BOE-A-2017-10287.pdf|title=Recurso de inconstitucionalidad n.º 4334-2017, contra la Ley del Parlamento de Cataluña 19/2017, de 6 de septiembre, del Referéndum de Autodeterminación. |publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=6 September 2017|access-date=5 October 2017|language=es|archive-date=10 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510084254/https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2017/09/08/pdfs/BOE-A-2017-10287.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-10/catalan-separatists-plot-show-of-strength-in-battle-with-madrid|title=Catalan Separatists Plot Show of Force in Battle With Madrid|last=Duarte|first=Esteban|date=11 September 2017|publisher=Bloomberg|access-date=13 September 2017|language=en|archive-date=13 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913135534/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-10/catalan-separatists-plot-show-of-strength-in-battle-with-madrid|url-status=live}}</ref> Subsequent developments saw, on 27 October 2017, a symbolic ] by the Parliament of Catalonia, the enforcement of ] by the Spanish government through the use of Article 155 of the Constitution,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2017/oct/22/protests-in-barcelona-against-suspension-of-catalan-autonomy-in-pictures|title=Protests in Barcelona against suspension of Catalan autonomy – in pictures|last=Fidler|first=Matt|date=22 October 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=2 August 2018|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=27 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727075818/https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2017/oct/22/protests-in-barcelona-against-suspension-of-catalan-autonomy-in-pictures|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-41780116|title=Catalans declare independence from Spain|date=27 October 2017|work=BBC News|access-date=27 October 2017|language=en-GB|archive-date=22 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122093014/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-41780116|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Jones|first1=Sam|last2=Burgen|first2=Stephen|last3=Graham-Harrison|first3=Emma|title=Spain dissolves Catalan parliament and calls fresh elections|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/27/spanish-pm-mariano-rajoy-asks-senate-powers-dismiss-catalonia-president|work=]|date=28 October 2017|language=en|access-date=28 February 2018|archive-date=26 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426010929/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/27/spanish-pm-mariano-rajoy-asks-senate-powers-dismiss-catalonia-president|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.es/2017/10/27/directo-el-senado-vota-la-aplicacion-del-155-y-el-parlament-catalan-su-respuesta-al-mismo_a_23257831/|title=Directo: El Senado aprueba la aplicación del 155|date=27 October 2017|access-date=20 November 2017|archive-date=29 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729205030/https://www.huffingtonpost.es/2017/10/27/directo-el-senado-vota-la-aplicacion-del-155-y-el-parlament-catalan-su-respuesta-al-mismo_a_23257831/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elmundo.es/cataluna/2017/10/27/59f2d55aca4741a0668b4646.html|title=En vivo – Rajoy disuelve el Parlament y convoca elecciones catalanas el 21 de diciembre|date=27 October 2017|access-date=20 November 2017|archive-date=30 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730004007/https://www.elmundo.es/cataluna/2017/10/27/59f2d55aca4741a0668b4646.html|url-status=live}}</ref> the dismissal of the ] and the dissolution of the Parliament, with a ] called for 21 December 2017, which ended with a victory of pro-independence parties.<ref name="eldiario.es-27Oct17">{{cite news|last=Ponce de León|first=Rodrigo|date=27 October 2017|title=Rajoy cesa a Puigdemont y su Govern y convoca elecciones para el 21 de diciembre|url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/Rajoy-cesa-Puigdemont-Govern_0_701680927.html|language=es|work=El Diario|access-date=27 October 2017|archive-date=27 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027232406/http://www.eldiario.es/politica/Rajoy-cesa-Puigdemont-Govern_0_701680927.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Former President ] and five former cabinet ministers fled Spain and took refuge in other European countries (such as ], in Puigdemont's case), whereas nine other cabinet members, including vice-president ], were sentenced to prison under various charges of rebellion, sedition, and misuse of public funds.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41871476|title=Catalonia's longest week|date=4 November 2017|work=BBC News|access-date=7 November 2017|language=en-GB|archive-date=13 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813153635/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41871476|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.theweek.co.uk/catalonia-independence/89469/catalonia-independence-nine-former-ministers-jailed|title=Catalonia Independence: nine former ministers jailed|date=3 November 2017|work=The Week|access-date=7 October 2018|archive-date=29 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729190415/https://www.theweek.co.uk/catalonia-independence/89469/catalonia-independence-nine-former-ministers-jailed|url-status=live}}</ref> ] became the ] ] on 17 May 2018,<ref name="GeneralitatdeCataluny17052018">{{cite web|title=Quim Torra pren possessió com a 131è president de la Generalitat|url=https://web.gencat.cat/ca/actualitat/detall/20180517_Quim-Torra-pren-possessio-com-131e-president-de-la-Generalitat|website=Generalitat de Catalunya|language=ca|date=17 May 2018|access-date=21 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622032919/https://web.gencat.cat/ca/actualitat/detall/20180517_Quim-Torra-pren-possessio-com-131e-president-de-la-Generalitat|archive-date=22 June 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> after the Spanish courts blocked three other candidates.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/03/23/spanish-judge-jails-proposed-catalan-leader-hours-ahead-planned/|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/03/23/spanish-judge-jails-proposed-catalan-leader-hours-ahead-planned/|archive-date=10 January 2022|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|title=Spanish judge jails proposed Catalan leader hours ahead of planned inauguration|first=Hannah|last=Strange|date=23 March 2018|newspaper=The Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
1. Statistical planning.
2. Administrative organisation.
3. The creation of the Generalitat's own official statistical system.
2. The Generalitat participates in and cooperates with the preparation of statistics at supra-autonomous community level.


In 2018, the ] joined the ] (UNPO) on behalf of Catalonia.<ref>{{Cite web|title=UNPO: UNPO Welcomes the Assemblea Nacional Catalana as its Newest Member|work=unpo.org|access-date=31 January 2019|date=10 January 2019|url=https://unpo.org/article/21315|archive-date=28 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728192535/https://unpo.org/article/21315|url-status=live}}</ref>
ARTICLE 136. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT AND STAFF IN THE EMPLOY OF THE CATALAN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION BODIES While respecting the principle of local autonomy, in matters of public employment the Generalitat has:


On 14 October 2019, the Spanish Supreme court ], involved in organizing a referendum on Catalonia's independence from Spain, and convicted them on charges ranging from ] to ], with sentences ranging from 9 to 13 years in prison. This decision sparked demonstrations around Catalonia.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/spanish-supreme-court-sentences-catalan-separatists-to-jail/2019/10/14/a0590366-ee59-11e9-89eb-ec56cd414732_story.html|title=Spanish Supreme Court sentences Catalan separatists to prison, sparking protests|newspaper=The Washington Post|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014110950/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/spanish-supreme-court-sentences-catalan-separatists-to-jail/2019/10/14/a0590366-ee59-11e9-89eb-ec56cd414732_story.html|archive-date=14 October 2019|access-date=12 December 2019}}</ref> They were later pardoned by the Spanish government and left prison in June 2021.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Boira|first1=Paula|title=El Gobierno concede el indulto a los presos del 'procés'|url=https://www.newtral.es/indulto-presos-proces-gobierno/20210622/|work=Newtral|date=22 June 2021|language=es|access-date=28 May 2022|archive-date=31 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231012411/https://www.newtral.es/indulto-presos-proces-gobierno/20210622/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=23 June 2021|title=Los presos del 'procés' abandonan la cárcel tras el indulto del Gobierno|language=es|url=https://cincodias.elpais.com/cincodias/2021/06/23/economia/1624443952_813940.html|access-date=28 May 2022|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623111825/https://cincodias.elpais.com/cincodias/2021/06/23/economia/1624443952_813940.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
1.
1. Exclusive power over the statutory system for staff in the employ of the Catalan Public Administration bodies, and over classification and organisation of public employment with the exception of the provisions of b below.
2. Shared power for development of organising principles of public employment, over the acquisition and loss of civil service status, administrative situation and rights, obligations and incompatibilities of staff in the employ of the Public Administration bodies.
3. Exclusive power, in the area of contracted staff, for adaptation of the list of employment positions to the needs of administrative organisation and over training of this staff.


In the early-to-mid 2020s support for independence declined.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Centre d'Estudis d'Opinió, Generalitat de Catalunya |title=Baròmetre d'Opinió Política |url=https://upceo.ceo.gencat.cat/wsceop/9148/Dossier%20de%20premsa_1082.pdf |website=upceo.ceo.gencat.cat |access-date=23 July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Sam |title=Separatist parties set to lose power in Catalan regional election, polls show |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/12/catalonia-polls-vote-gauge-support-independence-spain |access-date=23 July 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=12 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Polls Show Support for Catalonia Independence Declining |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/polls-show-support-for-catalonia-independence-declining/6749031.html |access-date=23 July 2024 |work=Voice of America |date=15 September 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Heller |first1=Fernando |title=Support for Catalan independence falls to historic low, poll reveals |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/support-for-catalan-independence-falls-to-historic-low-poll-reveals/ |work=www.euractiv.com |date=19 July 2024}}</ref>
ARTICLE 137. HOUSING


== Geography ==
1. The Generalitat has exclusive power over housing, which includes in any case:Planning, classification, management, inspection and control over housing, in accordance with social needs and the need for territorial balance.
1. Planning, classification, management, inspection and control over housing, in accordance with social needs and the need for territorial balance.
2. Establishment of priorities and objectives in the promotional activity of Catalan Public Administration bodies in matters concerning housing, and the adoption of the necessary measures to achieve them, in relation to both the public and the private sectors.
3. Provision of public housing.
4. Administrative regulation of house sales and the establishment of protective and disciplinary measures in this field.
5. Technical rules, inspection and control of construction quality.
6. Rules on the suitability of housing for habitation.
7. Technological innovation and sustainability applicable to housing.
8. Regulations on house conservation and maintenance, and their application.
2. The Generalitat has power over the requirements of buildings in relation to the installation of common infrastructures for telecommunications, broadcasting, basic telephone and other cable services, while respecting State legislation in the area of telecommunications.


=== Climate ===
ARTICLE 138. IMMIGRATION
[[File:Mapa climàtic de Catalunya.png|thumb|Climates of Catalonia:
{{unbulleted list
|{{Legend|#00A86B|]}}
|{{Legend|#9966CC|]}}
|{{Legend|#77B5FE|Mediterranean climate of alpine influence}}
|{{Legend|#FFE5B4|Inland Mediterranean climate}}
|{{Legend|#FF7F00|]}}
|{{Legend|#FF9271|Mediterranean climate of ]}}
}}]]
The climate of Catalonia is diverse. The populated areas lying by the coast in Tarragona, Barcelona and Girona provinces feature a ] (] ''Csa''). The inland part (including the Lleida province and the inner part of Barcelona province) show a mostly ] (] ''Csa''). The Pyrenean peaks have a ] (] ''D'') or even ] (] ''ET'') at the highest summits, while the valleys have a maritime or ] sub-type (] ''Cfb'').


In the Mediterranean area, summers are dry and hot with sea breezes, and the maximum temperature is around {{convert|26|-|31|°C}}. Winter is cool or slightly cold depending on the location. It snows frequently in the Pyrenees, and it occasionally snows at lower altitudes, even by the coastline. Spring and autumn are typically the rainiest seasons, except for the Pyrenean valleys, where summer is typically stormy.
1. In matters concerning immigration, the Generalitat has:
1. Exclusive power regarding the initial reception of immigrants, which includes sociosanitary attention and guidance.
2. Development of the integration policy for immigrants in the framework of its powers.
3. Establishment and regulation of the required measures for social and economic integration of immigrants and for their social participation.
4. Establishment by law of a referential framework for the reception and integration of immigrants.
5. Promotion and integration of returning immigrants and their assistance, and facilitation of their return to Catalonia through the pertinent policies and measures.
2. The Generalitat has executive power in authorising work to foreigners whose employment is in Catalonia. This power, which shall be coordinated with that of the State regarding the entry and residence of foreigners, includes:
1. Processing and assignation of initial work authorisations for employed and self-employed workers.
2. Processing and resolution of appeals presented with regard to cases arising from paragraph a) above and application of the inspection and sanction system.
3. The Generalitat participates in State decisions concerning immigration which are especially important for Catalonia and, in particular, shall have preceptive participation in determining the contingent of foreign workers by means of the mechanisms established by Title V.


The inland part of Catalonia is hotter and drier in summer. Temperature may reach {{convert|35|°C}}, some days even {{convert|40|°C}}. Nights are cooler there than at the coast, with the temperature of around {{convert|14|-|17|°C}}. Fog is not uncommon in valleys and plains; it can be especially persistent, with ] episodes and subzero temperatures during winter, mainly along the ] and ] valleys and in ].
ARTICLE 139. INDUSTRY, CRAFTSMANSHIP, METROLOGICAL CONTROL AND EVALUATION OF METALS


=== Topography ===
1. The Generalitat has exclusive power over industry, with the exception of the provisions of Section 2 below. This power includes, in any case, the classification of industrial sectors and processes in Catalonia, the safety of activities, facilities, equipment, processes and industrial products and the regulation of industrial activities which may have an impact on people's safety or health.
{{See also|List of mountains in Catalonia}}
2. The Generalitat has shared power over planning of industry, in the framework of general planning of the economy.
] map of Catalonia:
3. The Generalitat has exclusive power over matters of craftsmanship.
{{unbulleted list
4. The Generalitat has executive power over metrological control.
|{{legend2|#ff3f3f|]}}
5. The Generalitat has executive power over the evaluation of metals.
|{{legend2|#ffa545|]}}
|{{legend2|#fff915|]}}
|{{legend2|#d8c03d|Smaller mountain ranges of<br /> the Central Depression}}
|{{legend2|#917654|]}}
|{{legend2|#487048|]}}
|{{legend2|#679772|]}}
|{{legend2|#a0d486|]<br /> and other coastal and pre-coastal plains}}
}}]]
] in Catalan ] ]]
Catalonia has a marked geographical diversity, considering the relatively small size of its territory. The ] is conditioned by the Mediterranean coast, with {{convert|580|km|mi|abbr=off}} of coastline, and the towering Pyrenees along the long northern border. Catalonia is divided into three main geomorphological units:<ref>{{cite web|title=Geological map of Catalonia|url=http://www.icgc.cat/en/Public-Administration-and-Enterprises/Downloads/Geological-and-geothematic-cartography/Geological-mapping/Geological-map-of-Catalonia-1-50.000|publisher=Institut Cartogràfic i Geològic de Catalunya|access-date=11 October 2017|date=2016|archive-date=12 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012044144/http://www.icgc.cat/en/Public-Administration-and-Enterprises/Downloads/Geological-and-geothematic-cartography/Geological-mapping/Geological-map-of-Catalonia-1-50.000|url-status=live}}</ref>


*The Pyrenees: mountainous formation that connects the Iberian Peninsula with the ] (see passage above);
ARTICLE 140. TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURES
*The Catalan Coastal mountain ranges or the Catalan Mediterranean System: an alternating delevacions and planes parallel to the Mediterranean coast;
*The ]: structural unit which forms the eastern sector of the Valley of the Ebro.


] and the ]]]
1. The Generalitat has exclusive power over any ports, airports, heliports and other transport infrastructures in the territory of Catalonia that are not legally classified as being of general interest. This power includes in any case:
The Catalan Pyrenees represent almost half in length of the Pyrenees, as it extends more than {{convert|200|km|abbr=off}}. Traditionally differentiated the Axial Pyrenees (the main part) and the ] (southern from the Axial) which are mountainous formations parallel to the main mountain ranges but with lower altitudes, less steep and a different geological formation. The highest mountain of Catalonia, located north of the comarca of Pallars Sobirà is the Pica d'Estats (3,143{{spaces}}m), followed by the Puigpedrós (2,914{{spaces}}m). The ] comprises the highest peaks in the Pre-Pyrenees and forms the southern boundary of the ] valley.
1. The legal system, planning and management of all ports and airports, port and airport facilities, minor maritime facilities, loading terminals in port and airport premises, and other transport infrastructures.
2. Management of the public domain required to provide the service, and especially the issue of licences and concessions within port or airport premises.
3. Financial system for port and airport services, and especially the power to establish tariffs and taxes and the charging and collecting of all kinds of taxes and charges related to the use of the infrastructure and the service it provides.
4. Delimitation of the service areas for ports or airports and determination of the uses, equipment and complementary activities within port or airport premises or other transport infrastructures, while respecting the powers of the owner of the public domain.
2. The Generalitat participates in supra-autonomous community bodies that exercise functions concerning transport infrastructures located in Catalonia that are owned by the State.
3. The classification of a port, airport or other transport infrastructure located in Catalonia as of general interest is subject to a preliminary report by the Generalitat, which may participate in its management, or take responsibility for its management, in accordance with the provisions of law.
4. The Generalitat participates in the planning and programming of ports and airports of general interest, in the terms determined by State regulations.
5. The Generalitat has exclusive power over its road network throughout the territory of Catalonia, and may also participate in the management of the State's road network in Catalonia, in accordance with State regulations. This power includes in any case:
1. Organisation, planning and integrated management of the road network of Catalonia.
2. The legal and financial system of all elements of the road network of which the Generalitat is owner.
3. Connectivity, whether with each other or with other transport infrastructures or networks, of the elements that make up the road network of Catalonia.
6. The Generalitat has exclusive power, in matters concerning the rail network, over the infrastructures of which it is the owner, and participates in the planning and management of infrastructures owned by the State that are located in Catalonia, in accordance with the provision of State regulations.
7. In accordance with State regulations, the Generalitat has executive power over electronic communications. This power includes in any case:
1. Promotion of the existence of a minimum set of universally accessible services.
2. Inspection of the shared telecommunications infrastructures and exercise of the corresponding power to sanction.
3. Resolution of conflicts between broadcasting operators that share multiplexes and whose coverage does not extend beyond the territory of Catalonia.
4. Management of the registry of installers of shared telecommunications infrastructures and the registry of multiplex managers whose sphere of activity does not extend beyond the territory of Catalonia.


The Central Catalan Depression is a plain located between the Pyrenees and Pre-Coastal Mountains. Elevation ranges from {{convert|200|to|600|m|ft|abbr=off}}. The plains and the water that descend from the Pyrenees have made it fertile territory for ] and numerous irrigation canals have been built. Another major plain is the ], located in the northeast.
ARTICLE 141. GAMING AND SHOWS


The Catalan Mediterranean system is based on two ranges running roughly parallel to the coast (southwest–northeast), called the Coastal and the Pre-Coastal Ranges. The Coastal Range is both the shorter and the lower of the two, while the Pre-Coastal is greater in both length and elevation. Areas within the Pre-Coastal Range include ], ] and the ]. Lowlands alternate with the Coastal and Pre-Coastal Ranges. The Coastal Lowland is located to the East of the Coastal Range between it and the coast, while the Pre-Coastal Lowlands are located inland, between the Coastal and Pre-Coastal Ranges, and includes the ] and ] plains.
1. The Generalitat has exclusive power over gaming, betting and casinos when these activities take place in Catalonia only, including in any case:
1. Creation and authorisation of gaming and betting and their regulation, and regulation of companies responsible for management, operation and practice of these activities or whose aim is to sell and distribute materials related to gaming in general, including computerised and telematic gambling.
2. Regulation and control of the premises, facilities and equipment used in the performance of these activities.
3. Determination, within the framework of its powers, of the fiscal system concerning the gaming activity of companies performing these activities.
2. Authorisation of new forms of gaming and betting at State level, or modification of the already existing forms, requires deliberation by the Generalitat - State Bilateral Commission established by Title V and the decisive preliminary report of the Generalitat.
3. The Generalitat has exclusive power over shows and recreational activities. This power includes, in any case, organisation of the sector, the system of administrative intervention, and control over all kinds of shows in public spaces and premises.


=== Flora and fauna ===
ARTICLE 142. YOUTH
]''), ] to the ]]]
Catalonia is a showcase of European ] on a small scale. Just over {{convert|30000|km2|sqmi|abbr=off}} hosting a variety of substrates, soils, climates, directions, altitudes and distances to the sea. The area is of great ecological diversity and a remarkable wealth of landscapes, habitats and species.


The fauna of Catalonia comprises a minority of animals endemic to the region and a majority of non-endemic animals. Much of Catalonia enjoys a Mediterranean climate (except mountain areas), which makes many of the animals that live there adapted to Mediterranean ecosystems. Of mammals, there are plentiful ], red foxes, as well as ] and in the Pyrenees, the ]. Other large species such as the ] have been recently reintroduced.
1. The Generalitat has exclusive power over youth affairs, which includes in any case:
1. Design, application and evaluation of policies, plans and programmes aimed at young people.
2. Promotion of youth associations, initiatives to encourage youth participation, international mobility, and youth tourism.
3. Regulation, management, intervention and administrative policing of activities and facilities aimed at young people.
2. The Generalitat is responsible for signing agreements with international entities and for participating in international bodies in cooperation with the State, or autonomously if the regulations of the entity so permit, and, in any case, processing of documents issued by international entities that affect individuals, facilities or entities with residence in Catalonia, while respecting State legislation.


The waters of the ] are rich in biodiversity, and even the ]s of the oceans; various types of whales (such as ], ], and ]) and ]s can be found in the area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.edmaktub.org/en/home-2/|title=EDMAKTUB I Estudio de cetáceos|website=www.edmaktub.org|access-date=22 March 2017|archive-date=25 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325202832/http://www.edmaktub.org/en/home-2/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>Casinos, A.; Vericad, R. J. (2009). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525195641/https://www.degruyter.com/view/j/mamm.1976.40.issue-2/mamm.1976.40.2.267/mamm.1976.40.2.267.xml|date=25 May 2017}}. ''Mammalia''. Volume 40. Issue 2, pp. 267–90. {{ISSN|1864-1547}}. {{ISSN|0025-1461}}. {{doi|10.1515/mamm.1976.40.2.267}}</ref>
ARTICLE 143. CATALONIA'S OWN LANGUAGE


=== Hydrography ===
1. The Generalitat of Catalonia has exclusive power over the matter of Catalonia's own language. This power includes, in any case, determination of the scope, uses and legal effects of its official status, and also the linguistic normalisation of Catalan.
{{See also|List of rivers of Catalonia}}
2. The Generalitat and also the Conselh Generau d'Aran have power over the linguistic normalisation of Occitan, known as Aranese in Aran.
] ]]
], Costa Brava]]
Most of Catalonia belongs to the ]. The Catalan hydrographic network consists of two important basins, the one of the ] and the one that comprises the internal basins of Catalonia (respectively covering 46.84% and 51.43% of the territory), all of them flow to the ]. Furthermore, there is the ] river basin that flows to the ], but it only covers 1.73% of the Catalan territory.


The hydrographic network can be divided in two sectors, an occidental slope or Ebro river slope and one oriental slope constituted by minor rivers that flow to the Mediterranean along the Catalan coast. The first slope provides an average of {{convert|18700|hm3|cumi|lk=on|abbr=off}} per year, while the second only provides an average of {{convert|2020|hm3|cumi|abbr=on}}/year. The difference is due to the big contribution of the Ebro river, from which the ] is an important tributary. Moreover, in Catalonia there is a relative wealth of groundwaters, although there is inequality between '']'', given the complex geological structure of the territory.<ref name="GEC clima">{{cite web|url=http://www.enciclopedia.cat/enciclop%C3%A8dies/gran-enciclop%C3%A8dia-catalana/EC-GEC-0016439.xml|title=Catalunya: El clima i la hidrografia|language=ca|work=l'Enciclopèdia|location=Barcelona|editor=Gran Enciclopedia Catalana}}{{dead link|date=January 2014}}</ref> In the Pyrenees there are many small lakes, remnants of the ]. The biggest are the ] and the recently recovered ].
ARTICLE 144. THE ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL AREAS AND METEOROLOGY


The Catalan coast is almost rectilinear, with a length of {{convert|580|km}} and few ]s—the most relevant are the ] and the ] to the north and the ] to the south. The ] hugs the coastline, and it is split into two segments, one between ] and the town of ] (the ]), and the other at the south, at the Costes del ].
1. The Generalitat has shared power over the environment, and power to establish additional protection rules. This shared power includes in any case:
1. Establishment and regulation of the instruments of environmental planning and the proceedings for processing and approving these instruments.
2. Establishment and regulation of environmental sustainability, tax and research measures.
3. Regulation of natural resources, flora and fauna, biodiversity and marine and aquatic environment, except when for the purpose of preserving sea fish stocks.
4. Regulation of prevention in the production of containers and packing throughout their lifecycle, from creation to conversion into waste material.
5. Regulation of prevention and correction of the generation of waste material originating in or destined for Catalonia, and its management, movement and final disposal.
6. Regulation of prevention, control, correction, recovery and compensation of soil and subsoil pollution.
7. Regulation and management of dumping in the continental waters of Catalonia and into surface and underground waters that do not pass through another autonomous community. In any case, the Generalitat has executive power over the administrative intervention of dumping in surface and underground waters in its territory.
8. Regulation of the atmospheric environment and the various kinds of pollution thereof, declaration of polluted atmospheric zones, and establishment of other instruments to control pollution, irrespective of the public authority with competence for authorising the work, facility or activity causing the pollution.
9. Regulation of the system for authorising and monitoring the emission of greenhouse gases.
10. Promotion of classification of products, activities, facilities, infrastructures, procedures, production processes and environmentally-friendly practices.
11. Prevention, restoration and repair of environmental damage and also the corresponding system of sanctions.
12. Measures to protect species and the system of sanctions.
2. While respecting the provisions of Article 149.1.23 of the Constitution, the Generalitat has exclusive power over natural areas. This power includes, in any case, the regulation and declaration of protection, delimitation, planning and management instruments for natural spaces and protected habitats located in Catalonia.
3. In the case of natural areas that extend beyond the territory of Catalonia, the Generalitat shall promote collaboration instruments with other autonomous communities in order to create, delimit, regulate and manage these areas.
4. Declaration and delimitation of natural areas with a State protection system requires the mandatory report of the Generalitat - State Bilateral Commission. If the area is located wholly within the territory of Catalonia, the Generalitat is responsible for its management.
5. The Generalitat shall establish its own meteorological service, shall supply meteorological and climatic information, including the forecasting, monitoring and follow-up of meteorological risk situations, and research in these fields and the production of climatic cartography.
6. The Generalitat exercises its powers by means of the Corps of Rural Agents responsible for surveillance, control, protection, overall prevention and cooperation in relation to environmental management. The members of this Corps have the status of agents of the authority and exercise special administrative and judicial policing functions, in the terms established by law.


The principal ] are the ], ], and the ] (Catalan: {{lang|ca|Ebre}}), all of which run into the ].
ARTICLE 145. STOCK EXCHANGES AND CONTRACTING CENTRES The Generalitat has shared power over stock exchanges and contracting centres located in Catalonia. This power includes in any case:


=== Anthropic pressure and protection of nature ===
1.
The majority of Catalan population is concentrated in 30% of the territory, mainly in the coastal plains. Intensive agriculture, livestock farming and industrial activities have been accompanied by a massive ] influx (more than 20{{spaces}}million annual visitors), a rate of urbanization and even of major metropolisation which has led to a strong urban sprawl: two thirds of Catalans live in the urban area of Barcelona, while the proportion of urban land increased from 4.2% in 1993 to 6.2% in 2009, a growth of 48.6% in sixteen years, complemented with a dense network of transport infrastructure. This is accompanied by a certain agricultural abandonment (decrease of 15% of all areas cultivated in Catalonia between 1993 and 2009) and a global threat to ]. Human activities have also put some animal species at risk, or even led to their disappearance from the territory, like the ] and probably the ] of the Pyrenees. The pressure created by this model of life means that the country's ] exceeds its administrative area.<ref>{{in lang|ca}} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924082817/http://www.gencat.cat/mediamb/publicacions/monografies/bd_conservacio/bd_catalunya_ca_basic.pdf|date=24 September 2015}} Retrieved 29 July 2017.</ref>
1. Creation, denomination, authorisation and supervision of stock exchanges and organised negotiation systems.
2. Regulation and administrative execution measures for the organisation, operation, discipline and sanctioning system of the bodies governing stock exchanges.
3. Control over the issue, admission, suspension, exclusion, and establishment of additional requirements for the admission of securities to be negotiated exclusively in these markets, and inspection and control.
4. Accreditation of persons and entities for membership of these markets.
5. Establishment of deposits to be provided by members of the stock exchange as a guarantee in operations pending settlement.


Faced with these problems, Catalan authorities initiated several measures whose purpose is to protect natural ecosystems. Thus, in 1990, the Catalan government created the Nature Conservation Council (Catalan: {{lang|ca|Consell de Protecció de la Natura}}), an advisory body with the aim to study, protect and manage the natural environments and landscapes of Catalonia. In addition, the Generalitat has carried out the Plan of Spaces of Natural Interest ({{lang|ca|Pla d'Espais d'Interès Natural}} or PEIN) in 1992 while eighteen Natural Spaces of Special Protection ({{lang|ca|Espais Naturals de Protecció Especial}} or ENPE) have been instituted.
ARTICLE 146. THE MEDIA AND AUDIOVISUAL CONTENT SERVICES


There's a ], ]; fourteen ], ], Aiguamolls de l'Empordà, ], ], Sources of Ter and Freser, ], ], ], ], ], ], Sant Llorenç del Munt and l'Obac, ], and the ]; as well as three Natural Places of National Interest ({{lang|ca|Paratge Natural d'Interes Nacional}} or PNIN), the ], the ] Forest and the ].
1. In the area of radio and television services and also any other audiovisual communication service, the Generalitat has:
1. Exclusive power over the organisation of the provision of the public broadcasting services of the Generalitat and public broadcasting services at local level, while respecting the principle of local autonomy.
2. Shared power over the regulation and control of broadcasting services that use any of the available formats and technologies aimed at the audience in Catalonia, and the supply of broadcasting services if distributed in the territory of Catalonia.
2. The Generalitat has shared power in matters of the media.
3. The Generalitat shall promote the linguistic and cultural pluralism of Catalonia in the media.


== Politics ==
ARTICLE 147. NOTARIAL AFFAIRS AND PUBLIC REGISTRIES
{{Politics of Catalonia}}
{{Main|Politics of Catalonia|Politics of Spain|Catalan independence}}
], second president of the Generalitat of Catalonia between 1933 and 1940, executed by Franco's regime]]


After Franco's death in 1975 and the adoption of a democratic constitution in Spain in 1978, Catalonia recovered and extended the powers that it had gained in the ] of 1932<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gencat.net/generalitat/eng/guia/antecedents/antecedents15.htm|title=Beginnings of the autonomous regime, 1918–1932 |publisher=Gencat.net|access-date=25 April 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113202504/http://www.gencat.net/generalitat/eng/guia/antecedents/antecedents15.htm|archive-date=13 January 2009}}</ref> but lost with the fall of the ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gencat.net/generalitat/eng/guia/antecedents/antecedents16.htm|title=The republican Government of Catalonia, 1931–1939 |publisher=Gencat.net|access-date=25 April 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113202509/http://www.gencat.net/generalitat/eng/guia/antecedents/antecedents16.htm|archive-date=13 January 2009}}</ref> at the end of the ] in 1939.
1. The Generalitat has executive power over notarial affairs and public property, mercantile and movable assets registries. This power includes in any case:
1. Appointment of notaries and property, mercantile and movable assets registrars, by means of the calling, administration and resolution of open and restricted competitive examinations and competitions, which shall be called and implemented leading to formal appointment. Candidates for the post of notary or registrar shall be admitted on the basis of equality of rights, and shall provide proof of knowledge of the Catalan language and law in the form and to the extent established by the Estatut and by law.
2. Participation in development of access programmes to the corps of notaries and property, mercantile and movable assets registrars of Spain, for the purpose of accreditation of their knowledge of Catalan law.
3. Establishment of notarial and registration districts, including determination of mortgage districts and notarial territorial power districts.
4. The appointment of district protocol notary archivists and the maintenance of mortgage account registers.
2. The Generalitat has exclusive power in matters concerning the system of appeals regarding the qualification of titles or specific clauses of Catalan law which must be inscribed in a property, mercantile or movable assets registrar of Catalonia.
3. In the framework of the general regulation, the Generalitat has executive power over the Civil Registry, including the appointment of officials in charge, temporary staff and substitutes, the exercise of disciplinary functions in relation to them, and provision of the human and material resources required to carry out their functions. The officials in charge shall provide proof of knowledge of the Catalan language and Catalan law in the form and to the extent established by the Estatut and by law.


This autonomous community has gradually achieved more ] since the approval of the ]. The Generalitat holds exclusive jurisdiction in education, health, culture, environment, communications, transportation, commerce, public safety and local government, and only shares jurisdiction with the Spanish government in justice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gencat.cat/generalitat/eng/estatut/titol_4.htm|title=Title IV. Powers (articles 110–173) of the 2006 Statute |publisher=Gencat.cat|access-date=25 April 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100303223008/http://www.gencat.cat/generalitat/eng/estatut/titol_4.htm|archive-date=3 March 2010}}</ref> In all, some analysts argue that formally the current system grants Catalonia with "more self-government than almost any other corner in Europe".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economist.com/news/leaders/21567088-even-though-spectre-secession-unwelcome-distraction-spain-still-needs|title=Centrifugal Spain: Umbrage in Catalonia|newspaper=The Economist|date=24 November 2012|access-date=13 September 2013|archive-date=25 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925172404/http://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21567088-even-though-spectre-secession-unwelcome-distraction-spain-still-needs|url-status=live}}</ref>
ARTICLE 148. PUBLIC WORKS


The support for Catalan nationalism ranges from a demand for further autonomy and the ] of Spain to the desire for independence from the rest of Spain, expressed by Catalan independentists.<ref name="CEO poll">{{cite web|url=http://premsa.gencat.cat/pres_fsvp/docs/2012/06/27/10/36/60220d32-3dde-4bbe-bd32-e66085959a29.pdf|title=CEO Public Opinion Poll covering, among others, nationalist opinions|publisher=ceo.gencat.cat|access-date=12 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913102322/http://premsa.gencat.cat/pres_fsvp/docs/2012/06/27/10/36/60220d32-3dde-4bbe-bd32-e66085959a29.pdf|archive-date=13 September 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> The first survey following the Constitutional Court ruling that cut back elements of the 2006 Statute of Autonomy, published by '']'' on 18{{nbsp}}July{{nbsp}}2010, found that 46% of the voters would support independence in a referendum.<ref name="La Vanguardia poll">{{Cite web|url=http://www.lavanguardia.es/politica/noticias/20100718/53967434806/el-fallo-del-tc-catapulta-el-respaldo-a-la-independencia-que-roza-el-50.html|title=La Vanguardia poll|access-date=20 July 2010|archive-date=21 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100721040410/http://www.lavanguardia.es/politica/noticias/20100718/53967434806/el-fallo-del-tc-catapulta-el-respaldo-a-la-independencia-que-roza-el-50.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In February of the same year, a poll by the ] gave more or less the same results.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uoc.edu/portal/_resources/CA/documents/sala_premsa/noticies/Dossier_premsa_Diagnxstic_Catalunya-_Espanya.pdf|title=Diagnóstic de Percepcions Catalunya – Espanya|publisher=Universitat Oberta de Catalunya|access-date=21 February 2018|archive-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004201004/http://www.uoc.edu/portal/_resources/CA/documents/sala_premsa/noticies/Dossier_premsa_Diagnxstic_Catalunya-_Espanya.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Other polls have shown lower support for independence, ranging from 40 to 49%.<ref name="Cadenaser.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.cadenaser.com/espana/articulo/42-catalanes-dice-quiere-cataluna-sea-independiente/csrcsrpor/20101115csrcsrnac_3/Tes|title=El 42% de los catalanes dice que quiere que Cataluña sea independiente|date=15 November 2010|publisher=Cadenaser.com|access-date=31 January 2014|archive-date=29 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429162514/http://www.cadenaser.com/espana/articulo/42-catalanes-dice-quiere-cataluna-sea-independiente/csrcsrpor/20101115csrcsrnac_3/Tes|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto">. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118151355/http://www.racalacarta.com/audio/audio_rac1/Racometre28setembre.pdf|date=18 January 2012}}</ref><ref name="Lavanguardia.es">{{cite web|url=http://www.lavanguardia.es/politica/noticias/20100907/53996153467/el-apoyo-a-la-independencia-remite-y-cae-al-40-tribunal-constitucional-partido-popular-instituto-nox.html|title=El apoyo a la independencia remite y cae al 40%|publisher=Lavanguardia.es|access-date=31 January 2014|archive-date=10 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100910084250/http://www.lavanguardia.es/politica/noticias/20100907/53996153467/el-apoyo-a-la-independencia-remite-y-cae-al-40-tribunal-constitucional-partido-popular-instituto-nox.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Although it is established in the whole of the territory, support for independence is significantly higher in the hinterland and the northeast, away from the more populous coastal areas such as Barcelona.<ref name="eldiario.es">{{Cite web|url=https://www.eldiario.es/catalunya/mapa-distribuye-voto-independentista-catalunya_1_2460004.html|title=MAPA &#124; ¿Cómo se distribuye el voto independentista en Catalunya?|first=Belén Picazo, David Ruiz|last=López|date=28 September 2015|website=ElDiario.es|access-date=24 July 2021|archive-date=24 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724170437/https://www.eldiario.es/catalunya/mapa-distribuye-voto-independentista-catalunya_1_2460004.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
1. The Generalitat has exclusive power over public works that are carried out in the territory of Catalonia and that have not been classified as being of general interest or that do not affect another autonomous community. This power includes in any case the planning, construction and funding of such works.
2. Classification as being of general interest shall be subject to a preliminary report by the Generalitat. The Generalitat participates in planning and programming public works qualified as being of general interest, in accordance with State legislation and the provisions of Title V of this Estatut.
3. The Generalitat is responsible for the management of public services within its power to which all public works located in Catalonia and not categorised as of general interest are assigned or by which they are deemed affected. In the case of works classified as being of general interest or that affect another autonomous community, collaboration agreements may be signed to manage the corresponding services.


Since 2011 when the question started to be regularly surveyed by the governmental Center for Public Opinion Studies (CEO), support for Catalan independence has been on the rise.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.einesceo.cat/evolutius/referendum-per-la-independencia-de-catalunya-/39|title=Referèndum per la independència de Catalunya – Centre d'Estudis d'Opinió|publisher=Einesceo.cat|access-date=15 October 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014181236/http://www.einesceo.cat/evolutius/referendum-per-la-independencia-de-catalunya-/39|archive-date=14 October 2013}}</ref> According to the CEO opinion poll from July{{nbsp}}2016, 47.7% of Catalans would vote for independence and 42.4% against it while, about the question of preferences, according to the CEO opinion poll from March 2016, a 57.2 claim to be "absolutely" or "fairly" in favour of independence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://premsa.gencat.cat/pres_fsvp/docs/2016/07/22/11/04/749debaa-7941-47fa-861a-e4f4cebe1233.pdf|title=Baròmetre d'Opinió|publisher=Center for Public Opinion Studies|access-date=9 September 2016|language=ca|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911191341/http://premsa.gencat.cat/pres_fsvp/docs/2016/07/22/11/04/749debaa-7941-47fa-861a-e4f4cebe1233.pdf|archive-date=11 September 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ceo.gencat.cat/ceop/AppJava/pages/estudis/categories/fitxaEstudi.html?colId=3;5728&lastTitle=Bar%F2metre+d%27Opini%F3+Pol%EDtica%3BBar%F2metre+d%27Opini%F3+Pol%EDtica.+1a+onada+2016|archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20170525185231/http://ceo.gencat.cat/ceop/AppJava/pages/estudis/categories/fitxaEstudi.html?colId=3;5728&lastTitle=Bar%F2metre+d%27Opini%F3+Pol%EDtica%3BBar%F2metre+d%27Opini%F3+Pol%EDtica.+1a+onada+2016|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 May 2017|title=Baròmetre d'Opinió|publisher=Center for Public Opinion Studies|access-date=15 April 2016|language=ca}}</ref> Other polls have shown lower support for independence, ranging from 40 to 49%.<ref name="Cadenaser.com"/><ref name="auto"/><ref name="Lavanguardia.es"/> Other polls show more variable results, according with the Spanish CIS, as of December{{nbsp}}2016, 47% of Catalans rejected independence and 45% supported it.<ref name="antena3.com">{{cite web|title=El "no" a la independencia gana más apoyos, según el CIS catalán|url=https://www.antena3.com/noticias/espana/el-cis_20161229586516fb0cf2187c0d319a7d.html|website=Antena 3 Noticias|language=es|date=12 November 2017|access-date=20 October 2019|archive-date=20 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020174708/https://www.antena3.com/noticias/espana/el-cis_20161229586516fb0cf2187c0d319a7d.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
ARTICLE 149. ORDENACIÓ DEL TERRITORI I DEL PAISATGE, DEL LITORAL I URBANISME


In hundreds of non-binding local referendums on independence, organised across Catalonia from 13{{nbsp}}September{{nbsp}}2009, a large majority voted for independence, although critics argued that the polls were mostly held in pro-independence areas. In December{{nbsp}}2009, 94% of those voting backed independence from Spain, on a turn-out of 25%.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8410730.stm|title=Spain's Catalonia region in symbolic independence vote|work=BBC News|date=14 December 2009|access-date=25 April 2010|archive-date=31 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101031062306/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8410730.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> The final local referendum was held in Barcelona, in April{{nbsp}}2011. On 11{{nbsp}}September{{nbsp}}2012, a pro-independence march pulled in a crowd of between 600,000 (according to the ]), 1.5{{spaces}}million (according to the ]), and 2{{spaces}}million (according to its promoters);<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20120914/54349577571/manifestacion-independentista-600-000-personas.html|title="Unas 600.000 personas en la manifestación independentista". La Vanguardia de Catalunya|publisher=Lavanguardia.com|date=14 September 2012|access-date=1 February 2014|archive-date=29 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429163448/http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20120914/54349577571/manifestacion-independentista-600-000-personas.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Pi|first=Jaume|title=Masiva manifestación por la independencia de Catalunya|url=http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20120911/54349943522/diada-manifestacion-independencia-catalunya.html|access-date=15 October 2013|newspaper=]|date=11 September 2012|language=es|archive-date=17 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017082445/http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20120911/54349943522/diada-manifestacion-independencia-catalunya.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> whereas poll results revealed that half the population of Catalonia supported secession from Spain.
1. The Generalitat has exclusive power over territorial and landscape planning. This power includes in any case:
1. Establishment of guidelines for planning and management of the territory, and the landscape and of the actions that affect these areas.
2. Establishment and regulation of the forms of territorial planning and of the procedures for their processing and approval.
3. Establishment and regulation of the instruments to safeguard natural areas and biological corridors, in keeping with the provisions of Article 144.2.
4. Planning for future location of infrastructures and equipment within the sphere of the power of the Generalitat.
5. Determination of specific measures for the promotion of territorial, demographic, socio-economic and environmental balance.
2. Determination of locations for infrastructures and equipment under State ownership in Catalonia shall be subject to a report by the Generalitat - State Bilateral Commission.
3. The Generalitat has exclusive power over the management of the coastline, while respecting the general system for the public domain. This power includes in any case:
1. Establishment and regulation of territorial plans for classification and use of the coastline and beaches and also the regulation of proceedings for processing and approving these instruments and plans.
2. Management of the licences to occupy and use the maritime-terrestrial public domain, and especially issue of authorisations and concessions and, in any case, concessions for fixed structures in the sea, while respecting the exceptions that may be established for environmental reasons in continental and transition coastal waters.
3. Regulation and management of the economic and financial system governing the maritime-terrestrial public domain, in the terms established by the general legislation.
4. Execution of works and actions on the Catalan coastline which are not of general interest.
4. The Generalitat is responsible for the execution and management of works of general interest on the Catalan coastline, in accordance with the provisions of Article 148.
5. The Generalitat has exclusive power over urban development. This power includes in any case:
1. Regulation of the system for development of urban land, which includes, in any case, determination of the criteria for the different kinds of land and land use.
2. Regulation of the legal land ownership system while respecting the basic conditions established by the State to guarantee equality in the exercise of the right to property.
3. Establishment and regulation of urban planning and management instruments, and the procedures for their processing and approval.
4. Land and housing policy, regulation of publicly-owned land and housing heritage, and the system for administrative intervention in building, urban development and land and subsoil use.
5. Ensuring legality in urban development, which includes, in any case, urban inspection, orders for suspension of works and licences, measures to undo illegal physical alterations, and discipline in urban development.
6. The Generalitat has shared power over the right of escheat in urban expropriations within the framework of State legislation.


{{multiple image
ARTICLE 150. ORGANISATION OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE GENERALITAT In relation to the organisation of its Administration, the Generalitat has exclusive power over:
| align = right
| header = Prominent Catalan politicians in ].
| header_align=center
| image1 = Prim madrazo.jpeg
| width1 = 150
| alt1 =
| caption1 = ] (] under regent ])
| image2 = Estanislao Figueras y Moragas.jpg
| width2 = 140
| alt2 =
| caption2 = ] (president of the ])
| image3 = Pi y margall.jpg
| width3 = 159
| alt3 =
| caption3 = ]{{br}}(president of the ])
}}


Two major factors were ] 2010 decision to declare part of the 2006 Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia unconstitutional, as well as the fact that Catalonia contributes 19.49% of the central government's tax revenue, but only receives 14.03% of central government's spending.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Abend|first=Lisa|title=Spain Barcelona Warns Madrid: Pay Up, or Catalonia Leaves Spain|url=https://world.time.com/2012/09/11/barcelona-warns-madrid-pay-up-or-catalonia-leaves-spain/?xid=newsletter-weekly|magazine=]|access-date=17 September 2012|date=11 September 2012|archive-date=20 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920215317/http://world.time.com/2012/09/11/barcelona-warns-madrid-pay-up-or-catalonia-leaves-spain/?xid=newsletter-weekly|url-status=live}}</ref>
1.
1. The structure and regulation of public bodies and managers, their functioning and territorial coordination.
2. The different organisational and instrumental modalities for administrative action.


Parties that consider themselves either Catalan nationalist or ] have been present in all Catalan governments since 1980. The largest Catalan nationalist party, ], ruled Catalonia from 1980 to 2003, and returned to power in the ]. Between 2003 and 2010, a leftist coalition, composed by the ], the pro-independence ] and the leftist-environmentalist ], implemented policies that widened Catalan autonomy.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}
ARTICLE 151. TERRITORIAL ORGANISATION While respecting the institutional guarantee established by Articles 140 and 141 of the Constitution, the Generalitat has exclusive power over territorial organisation, which includes in any case:


In the ], sovereigntist parties supporting a secession referendum gathered 59.01% of the votes and held 87 of the 135{{nbsp}}seats in the Catalan Parliament. Parties supporting independence from the rest of Spain obtained 49.12% of the votes and a majority of 74{{nbsp}}seats.
1.
1. Determination, creation, modification and abolition of the government entities that make up the territorial organisation of Catalonia.
2. Creation, abolition and alteration of boundaries both of municipalities and local government entities of lesser territorial scope; denomination, determining the capital and symbols for municipalities and other local government entities; place-names, and determination of special systems.
3. Establishment by law of procedures for relations between local government entities and the population, respecting local autonomy.


], then the president of Catalonia, organised early elections that took place on 27{{nbsp}}September{{nbsp}}2015. In these elections, Convergència and Esquerra Republicana decided to join, and they presented themselves under the coalition named ] (in ], Together for Yes). Junts pel Sí won 62{{nbsp}}seats and was the most voted party, and CUP (], a far-left and independentist party) won another 10, so the sum of all the independentist forces/parties was 72{{nbsp}}seats, reaching an absolute majority, but not in number of individual votes, comprising 47,74% of the total.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://resultats.parlament2015.cat/09AU/DAU09999CM_L4.htm|title=Resultats provisionals 27S|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|website=gencat.cat|publisher=Generalitat de Catalunya|access-date=29 September 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930003326/http://resultats.parlament2015.cat/09AU/DAU09999CM_L4.htm|archive-date=30 September 2015}}</ref>
ARTICLE 152. PLANNING, ORGANISATION AND PROMOTION OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY


=== Statute of Autonomy ===
1. The Generalitat has power to promote economic activity in Catalonia.
{{Main|Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia}}
2. The Generalitat has shared power over the organisation of economic activity in Catalonia.
{{See also|Autonomous communities of Spain|Nationalities and regions of Spain}}
3. The Generalitat may establish economic activity planning within the framework of the guidelines set by general State planning.
], 1932]]
4. The Generalitat is responsible for the development and management of general economic activity planning. This power includes in any case:
The ] of Catalonia is the fundamental organic law, second only to the Spanish Constitution from which the Statute originates.
1. Implementation of State plans.
2. Participation in State planning through the mechanisms established by Title V.
3. Management of the plans, including funds and resources of State origin aimed at fostering economic activity, in the terms established by means of an agreement.


In the ] Catalonia, along with the ] and ], was defined as a "]".{{dubious|date=November 2021}} The same constitution gave Catalonia the automatic right to autonomy, which resulted in the ].{{explain|date=November 2021}}
ARTICLE 153. GENDER POLICIES The Generalitat has exclusive power over gender policies. While respecting the provisions of the State in exercise of the power attributed to it by Article 149.1.1 of the Constitution, this power includes in any case:


Both the 1979 Statute of Autonomy and the current one, approved in 2006, state that "Catalonia, as a nationality, exercises its self-government constituted as an Autonomous Community in accordance with the Constitution and with the Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia, which is its basic institutional law, always under the law in Spain".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gencat.net/generalitat/eng/estatut/titol_preliminar.htm#a1|title=First article of the Statute of Autonomy of Catalunya|publisher=Gencat.net|access-date=25 April 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113100832/http://www.gencat.net/generalitat/eng/estatut/titol_preliminar.htm#a1|archive-date=13 January 2009}}</ref>
1.
1. Planning, design, execution, evaluation and control over rules, plans and general guidelines regarding policies for women, and establishment of positive action for elimination of gender-based discrimination to be implemented uniformly in the whole territory of Catalonia.
2. Promotion of associations of women that carry out activities related to equality and non-discrimination, and of participation initiatives.
3. Regulation of measures and instruments to raise awareness of gender-based violence and to detect and prevent it and regulation of services and its own resources aimed at overall protection of women who have experienced or who experience this kind of violence.


The Preamble of the 2006 Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia states that the ] has defined Catalonia as a ], but that "the Spanish Constitution recognizes Catalonia's national reality as a nationality".<ref>. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013022212/http://www.constitucion.es/constitucion/castellano/titulo_preliminar.html|date=13 October 2007}}</ref> While the Statute was approved by and sanctioned by both the Catalan and Spanish parliaments, and later by referendum in Catalonia, it has been subject to a legal challenge by the surrounding autonomous communities of ], ] and ],<ref>{{cite web|author=Europa Press/Madrid|url=http://www.hoy.es/prensa/20061115/nacional/admitidos-recursos-aragon-valencia_20061115.html|title=Admitidos los recursos de Aragón, Valencia y Baleares contra el Estatuto catalán.|publisher=Hoy.es|date=1 December 1997|access-date=25 April 2010|archive-date=4 August 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120804013947/http://www.hoy.es/prensa/20061115/nacional/admitidos-recursos-aragon-valencia_20061115.html|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref> as well as by the conservative ]. The objections are based on various issues such as disputed ] but, especially, on the Statute's alleged breaches of the principle of "solidarity between regions" in fiscal and educational matters enshrined by the ].<ref>{{cite news|author=El País|url=http://www.elpais.com/articulo/espana/anos/encarnizada/batalla/politica/elpepuesp/20100416elpepunac_26/Tes|title=Cuatro años de encarnizada batalla política.|newspaper=El País|date=29 June 2010|access-date=29 June 2010|archive-date=3 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703023004/https://elpais.com/elpais/2010/04/16/actualidad/1271405842_850215.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
ARTICLE 154. PROMOTION AND DEFENCE OF COMPETITION


Spain's ] assessed the disputed articles and on 28 June 2010, issued its judgment on the principal allegation of unconstitutionality presented by the People's Party in 2006. The judgment granted clear passage to 182 articles of the 223 that make up the fundamental text. The court approved 73 of the 114 articles that the People's Party had contested, while declaring 14 articles unconstitutional in whole or in part and imposing a restrictive interpretation on 27 others.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.elpais.com/articulo/espana/retoque/74/articulos/recurridos/elpepunac/20100629elpepinac_4/Tes|title=Ni un retoque en 74 artículos recurridos|newspaper=El País|access-date=29 June 2010|archive-date=3 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703023004/https://elpais.com/diario/2010/06/29/espana/1277762404_850215.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The court accepted the specific provision that described Catalonia as a "nation", however ruled that it was a historical and cultural term with no legal weight, and that Spain remained the only nation recognised by the constitution.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.scotsman.com/news/Catalonia-39is-not-a-nation39.6412380.jp|title=Catalonia 'is not a nation' 10 July 2010 |publisher=News.scotsman.com|date=10 July 2010|access-date=6 January 2011|location=Edinburgh|archive-date=29 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629141155/http://news.scotsman.com/news/Catalonia-39is-not-a-nation39.6412380.jp|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.matthewbennett.es/60/is-catalonia-a-nation-or-a-nationality-or-is-spain-the-only-nation-in-spain/|title=Is Catalonia a nation or a nationality, or is Spain the only nation in Spain?|publisher=Matthewbennett.es|access-date=6 January 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110908023751/http://www.matthewbennett.es/60/is-catalonia-a-nation-or-a-nationality-or-is-spain-the-only-nation-in-spain/|archive-date=8 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Fiona Govan|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/spain/7861118/Catalonia-can-call-itself-a-nation-rules-Spains-top-court.html|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/spain/7861118/Catalonia-can-call-itself-a-nation-rules-Spains-top-court.html|archive-date=10 January 2022|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|title=Catalonia can call itself a 'nation', rules Spain's top court 29 Jun 2010 |work=Telegraph|date=29 June 2010|access-date=6 January 2011|location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.economist.com/node/16490065|title=A nationality, not a nation Jul 1st 2010 |newspaper=The Economist|date=1 July 2010|access-date=6 January 2011|archive-date=25 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225082016/http://www.economist.com/node/16490065|url-status=live}}</ref>
1. The Generalitat has exclusive power over the promotion of market competition in economic activities carried out mainly in Catalonia.
2. The Generalitat has executive power over defence of competition in the exercise of economic activities that alter or may alter free market competition within an area not extending beyond the territory of Catalonia. This power includes in any case:
1. Execution in measures related to the economic processes which affect competition.
2. Inspection and implementation of the sanctioning procedure.
3. Defence of competition in the exercise of commercial activity.
3. The Generalitat has exclusive power over the establishment and regulation of the Catalan Court for the Defence of Competition, as an independent body with jurisdiction over the whole territory of Catalonia which is the sole responsible body for dealing with economic activities carried out mainly in Catalonia, which alter or may alter competition, in the terms established by Sections 1 and 2.


=== Government and law ===
ARTICLE 155. INTELLECTUAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY
{{Main|Generalitat of Catalonia}}
{{multiple image
| align = right
| direction = vertical
| caption_align = center
| image1 = Parliament of Catalunya edited.JPG
| caption1 = ], located in ], Barcelona
| image2 = Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya 1.jpg
| caption2 = ], Barcelona, headquarters of the President and the Government of Catalonia
}}
The Catalan Statute of Autonomy establishes that Catalonia, as an autonomous community, is organised politically through the ] (Catalan: {{lang|ca|Generalitat de Catalunya}}), confirmed by the ], the Presidency of the Generalitat, the ] or Executive Council and the other institutions established by the Parliament, among them the Ombudsman ({{lang|ca|]}}), the Office of Auditors ({{lang|ca|Sindicatura de Comptes}}) the Council for Statutory Guarantees ({{lang|ca|Consell de Garanties Estatutàries}}) or the Audiovisual Council of Catalonia ({{lang|ca|Consell de l'Audiovisual de Catalunya}}).
], ] (2024–)]]


The ] (Catalan: {{lang|ca|Parlament de Catalunya}}) is the unicameral legislative body of the Generalitat and represents the people of Catalonia. Its 135{{nbsp}}members (''diputats'') are elected by ] to serve for a four-year period. According to the Statute of Autonomy, it has powers to legislate over devolved matters such as education, health, culture, internal institutional and territorial organization, nomination of the President of the Generalitat and control the Government, budget and other affairs. The last Catalan election ], and its current speaker (president) is ], incumbent since 10{{nbsp}}June{{nbsp}}2024.
1. The Generalitat de Catalunya has executive power over intellectual property. This power includes in any case:
1. Establishment and regulation, in coordination with that of the State, of a registry of intellectual property rights generated in Catalonia or owned by individuals usually resident in Catalonia; registration, modification or cancellation of these rights, and exercise of the administrative activity required to guarantee their protection in the whole territory of Catalonia. The Generalitat shall inform the State of the entries made in its register with a view to their inclusion in the State register, shall collaborate with the State registry and facilitate the exchange of information.Establishment and regulation, in coordination with that of the State, of a registry of intellectual property rights generated in Catalonia or owned by individuals usually resident in Catalonia; registration, modification or cancellation of these rights, and exercise of the administrative activity required to guarantee their protection in the whole territory of Catalonia. The Generalitat shall inform the State of the entries made in its register with a view to their inclusion in the State register, shall collaborate with the State registry and facilitate the exchange of information.
2. Authorisation and revocation of entities for the collective management of intellectual property rights acting mainly in Catalonia and also performance of complementary inspection and control tasks regarding the activity of these entities.
2. The Generalitat has executive power over industrial property. This power includes in any case:
1. Establishment and regulation, in coordination with that of the State, of a register of industrial property rights for natural or legal persons.
2. The legal and procedural defence of the place-names of Catalonia used in industry.


The ] (Catalan: {{lang|ca|president de la Generalitat de Catalunya}}) is the highest representative of Catalonia, and is also responsible of leading the government's action, presiding the Executive Council. Since the restoration of the Generalitat on the return of democracy in Spain, the ] have been ] (1977–1980, president in exile since 1954), ] (1980–2003), ] (2003–2006), ] (2006–2010), ] (2010–2016), ] (2016–2017) and, after the imposition of direct rule from Madrid, ] (2018–2020), ] (2021–2024) and Salvador Illa (2024–).
ARTICLE 156. PROTECTION OF PERSONAL DATA While respecting the guarantees regarding fundamental rights in this area, the Generalitat has executive power over the protection of personal data. This power includes in any case:


The ] (Catalan: {{lang|ca|Consell Executiu}}) or Government ({{lang|ca|Govern}}), is the body responsible of the government of the Generalitat, it holds executive and regulatory power, being accountable to the Catalan Parliament. It comprises the President of the Generalitat, the ] ({{lang|ca|conseller primer}}) or the ], and the ministers ({{lang|ca|consellers}}) appointed by the president. Its seat is the ], Barcelona. In 2021 the government was a coalition of two parties, the ] (ERC) and ] (Junts) and is made up of 14 ministers, including the vice President, alongside to the president and a secretary of government, but in October{{nbsp}}2022 Together for Catalonia (Junts) left the coalition and the government.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Catalan government broken: Junts leaves coalition cabinet, Esquerra stays alone|url=https://english.vilaweb.cat/noticies/catalan-government-broken-junts-leaves-coalition-cabinet-esquerra-stays-alone/|access-date=2022-10-28|website=VilaWeb|language=ca|archive-date=28 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028034515/https://english.vilaweb.cat/noticies/catalan-government-broken-junts-leaves-coalition-cabinet-esquerra-stays-alone/|url-status=live}}</ref>
1.
1. Registration and control of files or processing of personal data created or managed by the public institutions of Catalonia, the Administration of the Generalitat, local public authorities of Catalonia, autonomous entities, and public or private law entities answerable to autonomous or local public authorities or providing services or carrying out activities on their own account by means of any form of direct or indirect management, and also the universities that make up the Catalan university system.
2. Registration, and control of files or the processing of personal data created or managed by natural or legal persons for the exercise of public functions in connection with matters that fall under the authority of the Generalitat or of the local government entities of Catalonia, provided the processing takes place in Catalonia.
3. Registration and control of files and the processing of data created or managed by the public law bodies which exercise their functions exclusively within the territory of Catalonia.
4. Establishment of an independent authority, appointed by Parliament, to supervise the safeguarding of the right to protection of personal data within the powers of the Generalitat.


=== Security forces and Justice ===
ARTICLE 157. ADVERTISING Without prejudice to the mercantile legislation of the State, the Generalitat has exclusive power over the regulation of advertising. ARTICLE 158. RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION
{{Main|Mossos d'Esquadra}}
Catalonia has its own police force, the {{lang|ca|]}} (officially called {{lang|ca|Mossos d'Esquadra-Policia de la Generalitat de Catalunya}}), whose origins date back to the 18th{{nbsp}}century. Since 1980 they have been under the command of the Generalitat, and since 1994 they have expanded in number in order to replace the national ] and ], which report directly to the Homeland Department of Spain. The national bodies retain personnel within Catalonia to exercise functions of national scope such as overseeing ports, airports, coasts, international borders, custom offices, the identification of documents and arms control, immigration control, terrorism prevention, arms trafficking prevention, amongst others.


Most of the justice system is administered by national judicial institutions, the highest body and last judicial instance in the Catalan jurisdiction, integrating the Spanish judiciary, is the ]. The ] system is uniform throughout Spain, while ] is administered separately within Catalonia. The civil laws that are subject to autonomous legislation have been codified in the ] ({{lang|ca|Codi civil de Catalunya}}) since 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://civil.udg.es/normacivil/catalunya.htm|title=Legislació civil catalana|publisher=Civil.udg.es|date=20 July 2006|access-date=25 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706215412/http://civil.udg.es/normacivil/catalunya.htm|archive-date=6 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
1. In matters concerning scientific and technical research, the Generalitat has exclusive power in matters concerning its own research centres and structures, and the projects it finances. This power includes in any case:
1. Establishment of research areas of its own, and monitoring, control and evaluation of projects.
2. Organisation, functioning system, control, monitoring and accreditation of centres and structures in Catalonia.
3. Regulation and management of grants and financial assistance organised and funded by the Generalitat.
4. Regulation and professional training of research and research support personnel.
5. Dissemination of science and the transfer of results.
2. The Generalitat has shared power over the coordination of the research centres and structures of Catalonia.
3. Collaboration criteria between the State and the Generalitat in research policy, development and innovation shall be established within the framework of the provisions of Title V. Likewise, systems shall be established for the participation of the Generalitat in determining policies affecting these matters at European Union level, and in other international bodies and institutions.


Catalonia, together with ] and the ], are the Spanish communities with the highest degree of autonomy in terms of ].
ARTICLE 159. LEGAL SYSTEM, LEGAL PROCEDURE, PUBLIC CONTRACTS, EXPROPRIATION AND RESPONSIBILITY IN THE CATALAN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION BODIES


=== Administrative divisions ===
1. The Generalitat has exclusive power in matters concerning the legal system and legal procedure governing Catalan Public Administration bodies which are not affected by Article 149.1.18 of the Constitution. This power includes:
]{{Main|Subdivisions of Catalonia}}
1. The means required to exercise administrative functions, including the system governing public and patrimonial property.
{{See also|Political divisions of Spain|Local government in Spain}}
2. Control, inspection and sanctioning authority in all material areas that the Generalitat has power over.
Catalonia is organised territorially into ] or ], further subdivided into ] and ]. The ] establishes the administrative organisation of the later three.
3. The rules of administrative procedure arising from the particularities of the substantive law of Catalonia or from specialised areas of the organisation of the Generalitat.
2. The Generalitat has shared power in all matters relating to the legal system and legal procedure of Catalan Public Administration bodies not included in Section 1 above.
3. In relation to the contracts of Public Administration bodies in Catalonia, the Generalitat has:
1. Exclusive power over organisation and jurisdiction in matters involving contracting by Catalan Public Administration bodies and over rules for execution, modification and termination of the Administration's contracts in those matters which are not affected by Article 149.1.18 of the Constitution.
2. Shared power in all matters not attributed exclusively to the jurisdiction of the Generalitat according to a above.
4. In matters concerning compulsory expropriation, the Generalitat has executive power, in any case, to:
1. Determine cases, causes and conditions in which Catalan Administration bodies may exercise expropriatory authority.
2. Establish the criteria for valuing the expropriated assets according to the nature and social function of these assets, in accordance with State legislation.
3. Create and regulate an entity of its own for the purpose of determining a fair price, and to establish the procedure.
5. In matters of patrimonial responsibility, the Generalitat has shared power to establish the causes that may give rise to liability, in relation to claims brought against the Generalitat, in accordance with the general system of responsibility of all Public Administration bodies.
6. The powers of the Generalitat specified in Sections 1, 3, 4 and 5 above shall be exercised with respect for the principle of local autonomy.


==== Provinces ====
ARTICLE 160. LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM
{{Further|Provinces of Spain}}
Much like the rest of Spain, Catalonia is divided administratively into four provinces, the governing body of which is the ] ({{langx|ca|Diputació Provincial|links=no}}, {{langx|oc|Deputacion Provinciau|links=no}}, {{langx|es|Diputación Provincial|links=no}}). As of 2010, the four provinces and their populations were:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idescat.cat/territ/BasicTerr?TC=5&V0=5&V1=08&V3=863&V4=435&ALLINFO=TRUE&PARENT=1&GERMANS=TRUE&CTX=B|title=Padró municipal d'habitants. Xifres Oficials. Recomptes. Any 2010 |publisher=idescat|access-date=20 July 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091113212952/http://www.idescat.cat/territ/BasicTerr?TC=5&V0=5&V1=08&V3=863&V4=435&ALLINFO=TRUE&PARENT=1&GERMANS=TRUE&CTX=B|archive-date=13 November 2009}}</ref>


*]: 5,701,708 population
1. The Generalitat has exclusive power over the local government system, which, while respecting the principle of local autonomy, includes:
*]: 777,258 population
1. Relations between the institutions of the Generalitat and local government entities, and also the methods for organisation and liaison in regard to cooperation and collaboration between local government entities, and between these and the Administration of the Generalitat, and including the various forms: associations, mancomunitats, conventional associations and consortia.
*]: 437,939 population
2. Determination of the powers and jurisdiction of municipalities and other local government entities, in the areas specified in Article 84.
*]: 830,804 population
3. The system of publicly-owned, communal and patrimonial property and the modalities of public service provision.
Unlike vegueries, provinces do not follow the limitations of the subdivisional counties, notably ], which is split in half between the demarcations of Lleida and Girona. This situation has led some isolated municipalities to request province changes from the Spanish government.<ref>{{Cite web|last=324cat|date=2023-11-28|title=El cas singular de Gósol, que vol deixar de dependre de quatre administracions: "Cal un debat"|url=https://www.ccma.cat/324/el-cas-singular-de-gosol-que-vol-deixar-de-dependre-de-quatre-administracions-cal-un-debat/noticia/3263567/|access-date=2024-02-04|website=CCMA|language=ca|archive-date=4 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204193735/https://www.ccma.cat/324/el-cas-singular-de-gosol-que-vol-deixar-de-dependre-de-quatre-administracions-cal-un-debat/noticia/3263567/|url-status=live}}</ref>
4. Determination of the governing bodies for local government entities created by the Generalitat and the functioning and decision-making system of these bodies.
5. The system governing complementary bodies in the organisation of local government entities.
2. The Generalitat has shared power in all matters not established by Section 1 above.
3. The Generalitat has exclusive power in matters concerning the electoral system for the local entities it creates, with the exception of those which are Constitutionally guaranteed.


==== Vegueries ====
ARTICLE 161. RELATIONS WITH RELIGIOUS ENTITIES
{{Main|Vegueries of Catalonia}}


Besides provinces, Catalonia is internally divided into eight regions or vegueries, based on the feudal administrative territorial jurisdiction of the ].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=vegueria {{!}} enciclopedia.cat|url=https://www.enciclopedia.cat/gran-enciclopedia-catalana/vegueria-1|access-date=2024-02-04|website=www.enciclopedia.cat|archive-date=30 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630102826/https://www.enciclopedia.cat/gran-enciclopedia-catalana/vegueria-1|url-status=live}}</ref> Established in 2006, vegueries are used by the ] with the aim to more effectively divide Catalonia administratively. In addition, vegueries are intended to become Catalonia's first-level administrative division and a full replacement for the four deputations of the Catalan provinces, creating a council for each vegueria,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=palau|first=òscar|title=Traient l'entrellat a les vegueries – 12 març 2010 |url=https://www.elpuntavui.cat/article/146574-traient-lentrellat-a-les-vegueries.html|access-date=2023-06-29|website=El Punt Avui|language=ca|archive-date=29 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629220933/https://www.elpuntavui.cat/article/146574-traient-lentrellat-a-les-vegueries.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=femVallès|date=2020-04-28|title=La Catalunya de 9 vegueries (en 4 províncies) – femVallès|url=https://www.femvalles.cat/la-catalunya-de-9-vegueries-en-4-provincies/|access-date=2023-06-29|language=ca|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208083647/https://www.femvalles.cat/la-catalunya-de-9-vegueries-en-4-provincies/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Se impide crear veguerías alterando los límites provinciales {{!}} Barcelona {{!}} elmundo.es|url=https://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2010/07/09/barcelona/1278690407.html|access-date=2023-06-29|website=www.elmundo.es|archive-date=15 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615115731/https://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2010/07/09/barcelona/1278690407.html|url-status=live}}</ref> but this has not been realised as changes to the statewide provinces system are unconstitutional without a constitutional amendment.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|last=324cat|date=2010-07-09|title=El Constitucional només admet les vegueries si es conserven les províncies|url=https://www.ccma.cat/324/el-constitucional-nomes-admet-les-vegueries-si-es-conserven-les-provincies/noticia/761666/|access-date=2023-06-29|website=CCMA|language=ca|archive-date=29 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629220939/https://www.ccma.cat/324/el-constitucional-nomes-admet-les-vegueries-si-es-conserven-les-provincies/noticia/761666/|url-status=live}}</ref>
1. The Generalitat has exclusive power over religious entities that carry out their activities in Catalonia. This power includes in any case regulation and establishment of collaboration and cooperation mechanisms for the carrying out of their activities within the jurisdiction of the Generalitat.
2. The Generalitat has executive authority over religious freedom. This power includes in any case:
1. Participation in the management of the State Registry of Religious Entities in relation to churches, confessions and religious communities that carry out their activities in Catalonia, in the terms determined by law.
2. Establishment of agreements and cooperation conventions with the churches, confessions and religious communities registered in the State Registry of Religious Entities within the jurisdiction of the Generalitat.
3. Promotion, development and execution, within the jurisdiction of the Generalitat, of agreements and conventions signed between the State and the churches, confessions and religious communities registered in the State Registry of Religious Entities.
3. The Generalitat collaborates in bodies at State level to which functions have been attributed concerning religious entities.


The territorial plan of Catalonia ({{lang|ca|Pla territorial general de Catalunya}}) provided six general functional areas,<ref>{{cite web|title=Pla territorial general de Catalunya|url=http://www10.gencat.net/ptop/AppJava/cat/plans/general/ptgeneral.jsp|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704031039/http://www10.gencat.net/ptop/AppJava/cat/plans/general/ptgeneral.jsp|archive-date=4 July 2010|access-date=20 July 2010|publisher=Generalitat de Catalunya}}</ref> but was amended by Law{{nbsp}}24/2001, of 31{{nbsp}}December, recognizing ''Alt Pirineu and Aran'' as a new functional area differentiated of Ponent.<ref>. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513132200/http://www10.gencat.net/ptop/AppJava/cat/plans/parcials/ptapa/aprovacio_definitiva.jsp|date=13 May 2008}}</ref> After some opposition from some territories, it was made possible for the Aran Valley to retain its government (the vegueria is renamed to ''Alt Pirineu'', although the name ''Alt Pirineu and Aran'' is still used by the regional plan)<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-21|title=Mapa de Vegueries a Catalunya (2021): On és el teu municipi? |url=https://beteve.cat/mobilitat/mapa-vegueries-catalunya/|access-date=2023-06-29|website=beteve.cat|language=ca|archive-date=29 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629220932/https://beteve.cat/mobilitat/mapa-vegueries-catalunya/|url-status=live}}</ref> and in 2016, the Catalan Parliament approved the eighth vegueria, Penedès, split from the Barcelona region.<ref name=":4">{{cite web|date=8 February 2017|title=Catalunya ja té vuit vegueries: El Parlament aprova la creació de la vegueria del Penedès|url=https://www.ara.cat/societat/catalunya-vegueries-parlament-vegueria-penedes_1_1410475.html|access-date=4 February 2024|archive-date=6 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306141747/https://www.ara.cat/societat/catalunya-vegueries-parlament-vegueria-penedes_1_1410475.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1" />
ARTICLE 162. HEALTHCARE, PUBLIC HEALTH, PHARMACEUTICAL REGULATION AND PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS


As of 2022, the eight regions and their populations were:
1. The Generalitat has exclusive power in matters of healthcare and public health over the organisation, internal functioning, evaluation, inspection and control of healthcare centres, services and establishments.
2. The Generalitat shall classify pharmaceuticals, in the framework of Article 149.1.16 of the Constitution.
3. The Generalitat has shared power in any case in the following areas:
1. Classification, planning, determination, regulation and execution of public, social and mental health provisions and services, at all levels and for all citizens.
2. Classification, planning, determination, regulation and execution of measures and actions aimed at preserving, protecting and promoting public health in all areas, including health at work, animal health with effects on human health, food health, environmental health and epidemiological vigilance.
3. Planning of publicly provided healthcare resources and coordination of private healthcare activities with the public healthcare system.
4. Specialised healthcare training, which includes accreditation and evaluation of centres; planning to provide posts; participation in preparation of selection procedures and management of training programmes for specialities and other specific training, and the issue of diplomas for areas of specific training.
5. The statutory system and the training of the staff providing service in the public healthcare system services.
4. The Generalitat participates in planning and State coordination in matters of healthcare and public health, in accordance with the provisions of Title V.
5. The Generalitat has executive power over State legislation on pharmaceutical products.


* ] (capital ]): 63,892 population
ARTICLE 163. PRIVATE SECURITY The Generalitat executes the State legislation in the following matters:
* ] (capital ]): 4,916,847 population
* ] (capital ]): 536,453 population
* ] (capital ]): 413,349 population
* ] (capital ]): 761,690 population
* ] (capital ]): 365,289 population
* ] (capital ]): 497,764 population
* ] (capital ]): 182,231 population
* ] (capital ]): 10,194 population


==== Comarques ====
1.
{{Main|Comarques of Catalonia}}
1. Authorisation of private security companies with head office in Catalonia whose area of activity does not extend beyond the territory of Catalonia.
Comarques (often known as ''counties'' in English, but different from the historical ]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Idescat. Statistical Yearbook of Catalonia. County councils. Councillors. Counties.|url=https://www.idescat.cat/indicadors/?id=aec&n=15897&lang=en|access-date=2023-11-27|website=www.idescat.cat|archive-date=4 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204193734/https://www.idescat.cat/indicadors/?id=aec&n=15897&lang=en|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2023-05-06|title=Festivals in southern Terres de l'Ebre counties form new group to increase visibility|url=https://www.catalannews.com/culture/item/festivals-in-southern-terres-de-lebre-counties-unite-in-new-group-to-increase-visibility|access-date=2023-11-27|website=www.catalannews.com|language=en|archive-date=4 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204193735/https://www.catalannews.com/culture/item/festivals-in-southern-terres-de-lebre-counties-unite-in-new-group-to-increase-visibility|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Coronavirus: Spain puts 200,000 people in Catalonia back into lockdown as cases rise|url=https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-spain-puts-200-000-people-in-catalonia-back-into-lockdown-as-cases-rise-12020938|access-date=2023-11-27|website=Sky News|language=en|archive-date=4 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204193734/https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-spain-puts-200-000-people-in-catalonia-back-into-lockdown-as-cases-rise-12020938|url-status=live}}</ref>) are entities composed of municipalities to internally manage their responsibilities and services. The current regional division has its roots in a decree of the Generalitat de Catalunya of 1936, in effect until 1939, when it was suppressed by Franco. In 1987 the Catalan Government reestablished the comarcal division and in 1988 three new comarques were added (], ] and ]). Some further revisions have been realised since then, such as the additions of ] and ] counties, in 2015 and 2023 respectively. Except for ], every comarca is administered by a ] ({{lang|ca|consell comarcal}}).
2. Inspection and sanction of private security activities carried out in Catalonia.
3. Authorisation of private security staff training centres.
4. Coordination of private security and investigation services with the Police of the Generalitat and the local police of Catalonia.


As of 2024, Catalonia is divided in 42 counties plus the ]. The latter, although previously (and still informally) considered a comarca, obtained in 1990 a particular status within Catalonia due to its differences in culture and language, being administered by a body known as the {{lang|oc|]}} (General Council of Aran), and in 2015 it was defined as a "unique territorial entity" instead of a county.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noticias.juridicas.com/base_datos/CCAA/ca-l16-1990.html#|title=Ley 16/1990, de 13 de julio, sobre el régimen especial del Valle de Arán. |publisher=Noticias Jurídicas|access-date=20 July 2010|archive-date=8 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608204441/http://noticias.juridicas.com/base_datos/CCAA/ca-l16-1990.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
ARTICLE 164. PUBLIC SECURITY


==== Municipalities ====
1. In matters of public security, the Generalitat, in accordance with State legislation, is responsible for:
{{Further|Municipalities of Catalonia}}
1. Planning and regulation of the public security system for Catalonia and organisation of the local police.
There are at present 947{{nbsp}}municipalities ({{lang|ca|municipis}}) in Catalonia. Each municipality is run by a council ({{lang|ca|ajuntament}}) elected every four years by the residents in local elections. The council consists of a number of members ({{lang|ca|regidors}}) depending on population, who elect the ] ({{lang|ca|alcalde}} or {{lang|ca|batlle}}). Its seat is the ] ({{lang|ca|ajuntament}}, {{lang|ca|casa de la ciutat}} or {{lang|ca|casa de la vila}}).
2. Creation and organisation of the Generalitat Police Force - Mossos d'Esquadra.
3. Traffic control and vigilance.
2. The Generalitat has supreme command over the Generalitat Police Force - Mossos d'Esquadra and coordinates the activities of the local police.
3. In the framework of State legislation on security, the Generalitat has the executive powers attributed to it by the State and in any case:
1. Governing functions over the exercise of the rights of assembly and demonstration.
2. Compliance with the provisions for the conservation of nature, the environment and water resources.
4. The Generalitat participates, through a Security Board with equal representation of the Generalitat and the State and chaired by the President of the Generalitat, in the coordination of security policies and of the activity of the State and Catalan police forces, and also in the exchange of information at international level, and in cooperating with and assisting the police authorities of other countries. In agreement with the State, the Generalitat shall be represented in the working groups working in collaboration with the police of other countries in which the State participates.
5. The scope of action of the Generalitat Police Force - Mossos d'Esquadra is the whole of the Catalan territory, and it exercises all the functions of a police force in the following fields:
1. Public safety and public order.
2. Administrative policing, including that deriving from State regulations.
3. Judicial policing and criminal investigation, including the various forms of organised crime and terrorism, in the terms established by law.


<gallery class="center" widths="185" heights="150" caption="Catalan regional capitals">
ARTICLE 165. SOCIAL SECURITY
Eixample aire cropped.jpg|An aerial view of ]
La Seu d'Urgell (Torre Solsona).JPG|] from the Solsona tower
E5320-Vista-de-Tarragona.jpg|The city of ]
Manresa des del mirador de la Balconada.jpg|The city of ] from the Balconada viewpoint
Girona des de l aire.jpg|The city of ]
Lleida (40262867523).jpg|The city of ] by the Segre river
Vilanova i la Geltru.jpg|] from the city's port
Tortosa - La Suda.jpg|The city of ]
VIELHA - VAL D'ARAN - IB-399.JPG|] from the Vielha viewpoint
</gallery>


== Economy ==
1. While respecting the principles of the unity of economic patrimony and the financial solidarity of social security, the Generalitat has shared power over social security matters. This power includes:
{{Main|Economy of Spain}}
1. Implementation and execution of State legislation, with the exception of the rules which configure the economic system.
]
2. Management of the social security economic system.
]]]
3. Organisation and administration of the assets and services that make up the healthcare and social services of the social security system in Catalonia.
] beach. ] plays an important role in the Catalan economy.]]
4. Organisation and exercise of administrative jurisdiction over the institutions, companies and foundations that collaborate with the social security system in the matters referred to in c, and also coordination of workplace risk prevention activities carried out in Catalonia by the health funds for workplace accidents and occupational illness.
A highly industrialized region, the nominal ] of Catalonia in 2018 was €228{{spaces}}billion (second after the ], €230{{spaces}}billion) and the per capita{{nbsp}}GDP was €30,426 ($32,888), behind ] (€35,041), the Basque Country (€33,223), and ] (€31,389).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Comparar Comunidades Autónomas Madrid vs Cataluña 2020 |url=https://datosmacro.expansion.com/ccaa/comparar/madrid/cataluna|website=datosmacro.com|language=es|access-date=15 May 2020|archive-date=29 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529020337/https://datosmacro.expansion.com/ccaa/comparar/madrid/cataluna|url-status=live}}</ref> That year, the GDP growth was 2.3%.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Catalunya mantiene el papel de locomotora de España en el 2018 |url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/economia/20190429/461934212168/cataluna-madrid-pib-crecimiento-economia.html|date=29 April 2019|website=]|language=es|access-date=15 May 2020|archive-date=19 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519094559/https://www.lavanguardia.com/economia/20190429/461934212168/cataluna-madrid-pib-crecimiento-economia.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
5. Recognition and management of non-contributory pensions.
6. The coordination of the health system actions linked to the social security service.
2. The Generalitat may organise and administer, to these effects and within its territory, all the services related to the matters specified above, and exercises the supervision of the institutions, entities and foundations in the area of health and social security, with the exception of high-level inspection, which is reserved to the State.


Catalonia's long-term credit rating is BB{{nbsp}}(Non-Investment Grade) according to ], Ba2{{nbsp}}(Non-Investment Grade) according to ], and BBB-{{nbsp}}(Low Investment Grade) according to ].<ref>{{cite news|title=S&P mantiene la deuda de Cataluña en "bono basura"|url=http://www.expansion.com/catalunya/2015/04/17/5531492622601d6b098b456e.html|access-date=13 August 2015|work=Expansión|publisher=Unidad Editorial|date=17 April 2015|archive-date=20 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150820021919/http://www.expansion.com/catalunya/2015/04/17/5531492622601d6b098b456e.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Standard & Poor's degrada la calificación de Catalunya a 'bono basura'|url=http://www.lavanguardia.com/economia/20120831/54344088562/standard-poor-s-catalunya-bono-basura.html|access-date=13 August 2015|work=]|agency=La Vanguardia|publisher=Javier Godó|date=31 August 2012|archive-date=3 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903215156/http://www.lavanguardia.com/economia/20120831/54344088562/standard-poor-s-catalunya-bono-basura.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="agency-ratings">{{cite news|title=Rating: Calificación de la deuda de las Comunidades Autónomas|url=http://www.datosmacro.com/ratings/espana-comunidades-autonomas|access-date=14 August 2015|archive-date=21 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821043546/http://www.datosmacro.com/ratings/espana-comunidades-autonomas|url-status=live}}</ref> Catalonia's rating is tied for worst with between 1 and 5 other autonomous communities of Spain, depending on the rating agency.<ref name="agency-ratings"/>
ARTICLE 166. SOCIAL SERVICES, VOLUNTEERS, MINORS AND PROMOTION OF FAMILIES


The city of Barcelona occupies the eighth position as one of the world's best cities to live, work, research and visit in 2021, according to the report "The World's Best Cities 2021", prepared by Resonance Consultancy.<ref>{{Cite web|date=3 January 2021|title=Barcelona, la octava mejor ciudad del mundo para vivir y trabajar|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/local/barcelona/20210103/6163911/barcelona-the-world-s-best-cities-2021-resonance-consultancy.html|access-date=3 January 2021|website=]|language=es|archive-date=3 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103170328/https://www.lavanguardia.com/local/barcelona/20210103/6163911/barcelona-the-world-s-best-cities-2021-resonance-consultancy.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
1. The Generalitat has exclusive power over the social services. This power includes in any case:
1. Regulation and organisation of the social services activities, social service technical benefits and payments designed as welfare allowances or to supplement other public benefit support systems.
2. Regulation and organisation of the entities, services and public and private establishments which provide social services in Catalonia.
3. Regulation and approval of specific plans and programmes addressed to individuals and groups in a situation of poverty or social need.
4. Supervision and control of private supplementary social protection systems.
2. The Generalitat has exclusive power over volunteers. This power includes, in any case, definition of the activity and regulation and promotion of actions to support solidarity and voluntary action carried out individually or through public or private institutions.
3. With regard to minors the Generalitat has:
1. Exclusive power over the protection of minors, which includes, in any case, regulation of the protection system, and the public institutions for protection and guardianship of defenceless and at-risk minors and juvenile offenders, while respecting criminal legislation in this latter case.
2. The Generalitat participates, in the preparation and reform of the penal and procedural legislation that affects powers concerning minors.
4. The Generalitat has exclusive power over promotion of families and children. This includes, in any case, social protection measures and their implementation.


According to a 2020 study by Eu-Starts-Up, the Catalan capital is one of the European bases of "reference for start-ups" and the fifth city in the world to establish one of these companies, behind London, Berlin, Paris and Amsterdam. Barcelona is behind London, New York, Paris, Moscow, Tokyo, Dubai and Singapore and ahead of Los Angeles and Madrid.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021|title=Barcelona, considerada la octava mejor ciudad del mundo {{!}} Barcelona International Welcome {{!}} Barcelona|url=https://www.barcelona.cat/internationalwelcome/es/noticia/barcelona-considerada-la-octava-mejor-ciudad-del-mundo_1013838|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116180530/https://www.barcelona.cat/internationalwelcome/es/noticia/barcelona-considerada-la-octava-mejor-ciudad-del-mundo_1013838|archive-date=16 January 2021|access-date=27 February 2022|website=barcelona.cat}}</ref>
ARTICLE 167. THE SYMBOLS OF CATALONIA The Generalitat has exclusive power over the regulation, organisation, configuration, and preservation of the symbols of Catalonia, in accordance with the provisions of this Estatut. ARTICLE 168. THE PRISON SYSTEM


In the context of the ], Catalonia was expected to suffer a ] amounting to almost a 2% contraction of its regional GDP in 2009.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/BBVA/descarta/economia/catalana/caiga/elpepuespcat/20090114elpepueco_7/Tes|title=BBVA no descarta que la economía catalana caiga un 2%|newspaper=]|date=14 January 2009|publisher=Elpais.com|access-date=25 April 2010|archive-date=3 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703023014/https://elpais.com/economia/2009/01/14/actualidad/1231921979_850215.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Catalonia's debt in 2012 was the highest of all Spain's autonomous communities,<ref> ] News. Retrieved 14 October 2013.</ref> reaching €13,476{{spaces}}million, i.e. 38% of the total debt of the 17{{nbsp}}autonomous communities,<ref>{{cite news|author=Financial Crisis|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9290206/Catalonia-calls-for-help-from-central-government-to-pay-debts.html|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9290206/Catalonia-calls-for-help-from-central-government-to-pay-debts.html|archive-date=10 January 2022|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|title="Catalonia calls for help from central government to pay debts".|work=Telegraph|access-date=1 February 2014|location=London|date=25 May 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> but in recent years its economy recovered a positive evolution and the GDP grew a 3.3% in 2015.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ara.cat/economia/creixement-catalunya-PIB-2015-airef_0_1514848604.html|title=Catalunya va créixer un 3,3% el 2015, una dècima més que Espanya |newspaper=Ara.cat|access-date=13 September 2016|author1=Ara|archive-date=5 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005114645/http://www.ara.cat/economia/creixement-catalunya-PIB-2015-airef_0_1514848604.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
1. The Generalitat has the executive power for State legislation regarding prison affairs. This includes in any case:
1. The capacity to enact provisions adapting prison regulations to the social reality of Catalonia.
2. All management of prison activity in Catalonia, especially directing, organisation, overall system, operation, planning and inspection of prison institutions of any kind located in Catalonia.
3. Planning, building and refurbishment of the prison buildings located in Catalonia.
4. Administration and management of unmovable assets and facilities assigned to the Catalan prison administration, and of all material resources assigned to it.
5. Planning and organisation of paid work for the prison population, and implementation of alternative measures to prison and of reintegration measures.
2. The Generalitat may issue reports in the procedure for granting pardons.


]]]
ARTICLE 169. TRANSPORT
], Tarragona]]
Catalonia is amongst the ] and is a member of the ] organisation.


The distribution of sectors is as follows:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/atlas/spain/factsheets/pdf/fact_es51_en.pdf|title=Structural Funds programmes in Catalonia – (2000–2006) |access-date=25 April 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325180143/http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/atlas/spain/factsheets/pdf/fact_es51_en.pdf|archive-date=25 March 2009}}</ref>
1. The Generalitat has exclusive power over land transport of passengers and goods by road, railway and cable entirely within Catalan territory, irrespective of ownership of the infrastructure. This power includes in any case:
1. Regulation, planning, management, coordination and inspection of services and activities.
2. Regulation of administrative supervision for the exercise of transport activities.
3. Regulation of urban transport and of occasional transport services for passengers in tourist vehicles.
4. Specific regulation of tourist transport, school transport or the transport of minors, health transport, funeral transport, transport of hazardous or perishable goods, and other transport requiring specific systems, while respecting State powers in the area of public safety.
5. Regulation of a system of mediation in matters of transport.
6. The power to set charges for land transport.
2. The integration of transport routes or services that lie entirely within the territory of Catalonia into higher level lines or services requires the preliminary report of the Generalitat.
3. The Generalitat participates in the establishment of rail services that ensure links with other autonomous communities or with international traffic, in accordance with the provisions of Title V.
4. The Generalitat has exclusive power over the transport, logistics and distribution centres located in Catalonia, including:
1. Information and freight distribution centres.
2. Road transport stations.
5. The Generalitat has exclusive power over operators in activities related to the organisation of transport, logistics and distribution taking place in Catalonia.
6. While respecting the powers of the State in the areas of the merchant marine and ports, the Generalitat has exclusive power in maritime and river transport which lies entirely with the territory of Catalonia, including:
1. Regulation, planning and management of maritime and river passenger transport.
2. Administrative supervision for the provision of services and exercise of activities related to maritime and river transport.
3. Requirements for exercise of the activity.


*]: 3%. The amount of land devoted to agricultural use is 33%.
ARTICLE 170. WORK AND LABOUR RELATIONS
*]: 37% (compared to Spain's 29%)
*]: 60% (compared to Spain's 67%)


The main tourist destinations in Catalonia are the city of Barcelona, the beaches of the Costa Brava in ], the beaches of the ] and ] from ] to ] and the ] in Tarragona. In the High Pyrenees there are several ski resorts, near ]. On 1{{nbsp}}November{{nbsp}}2012, Catalonia started charging a tourist tax.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://costabravatouristguide.com/152-catalonia-tourist-tax-fees|title=Catalonia Tourist Tax|publisher=Costa Brava Tourist Guide|access-date=24 June 2015|archive-date=26 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626144939/http://costabravatouristguide.com/152-catalonia-tourist-tax-fees|url-status=live}}</ref> The revenue is used to promote tourism, and to maintain and upgrade tourism-related infrastructure.
1. The Generalitat has executive power in matters of work and labour relations. This power includes in any case:
1. Labour relations and working conditions.
2. Active employment policies, which include the training of jobseekers and active workers, and also management of the appropriate subsidies. The Generalitat participates in training plans or activities that extend beyond the territory of Catalonia.
3. Professional qualifications in Catalonia.
4. Employment brokerage, which includes regulation, authorisation and control of employment agencies with head offices in Catalonia.
5. Collective negotiation and registration of collective bargaining agreements.
6. Procedures for regulating employment and for administrative action in collective transfers between work centres located in Catalonia.
7. Prevention of work risks, and health and safety in the workplace.
8. Power to apply sanctions for infringement of the social order, within its jurisdiction.
9. Determining minimum services for strikes that take place in Catalonia.
10. Ensuring the legality of and, if necessary, the subsequent registration of collective bargaining agreements for companies that exercise their activity exclusively in Catalonia.
11. Labour conciliation, mediation and arbitration instruments.
12. Preparation of the holiday calendar for the whole territory of Catalonia.
2. The Generalitat has executive power over public inspection in all matters regulated by this Article. To this end, the civil servants of the corps performing this function are structurally and functionally accountable to the Generalitat. Formulas guaranteeing effective exercise of the inspection function in the social sphere shall be established by means of the cooperation mechanisms determined by Title V.


]]]
ARTICLE 171. TOURISM The Generalitat has exclusive power in matters of tourism. This power includes in any case:
Many of Spain's leading ]s were based in Catalonia before the ]. However, in the aftermath of the referendum, many of them moved their registered office to other parts of Spain. That includes the two biggest Catalan banks at that moment, ], which moved its office to ], and ], ranked fourth among all Spanish private banks and which moved its office to ].<ref>{{Cite web|title=CaixaBank traslada su sede a Valencia y La Fundación Bancaria La Caixa y Criteria a Palma|url=https://www.expansion.com/economia/politica/2017/10/05/59d66b8d46163f200d8b458a.html|date=5 October 2017|website=Expansión.com|language=es|access-date=15 May 2020|archive-date=19 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519034451/https://www.expansion.com/economia/politica/2017/10/05/59d66b8d46163f200d8b458a.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Banco Sabadell traslada su domicilio social a Alicante|url=https://www.europapress.es/economia/finanzas-00340/noticia-sabadell-traslada-domicilio-social-alicante-20171005180329.html|date=5 October 2017|publisher=Europa Press|access-date=15 May 2020|archive-date=19 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519050300/https://www.europapress.es/economia/finanzas-00340/noticia-sabadell-traslada-domicilio-social-alicante-20171005180329.html|url-status=live}}</ref> That happened after the Spanish government passed a law allowing companies to move their registered office without requiring the approval of the company's general meeting of shareholders.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-10-06|title=El Govern espanyol aprova un decret per facilitar la fugida d'empreses de Catalunya|url=https://beteve.cat/economia/decret-govern-espanyol-trasllat-empreses-catalunya/|access-date=2023-04-10|website=beteve.cat|language=ca|archive-date=10 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410134636/https://beteve.cat/economia/decret-govern-espanyol-trasllat-empreses-catalunya/|url-status=live}}</ref> Overall, there was a negative net relocation rate of companies based in Catalonia moving to other autonomous communities of Spain. From the 2017 independence referendum until the end of 2018, for example, Catalonia lost 5454{{nbsp}}companies to other parts of Spain (mainly Madrid), 2359 only in 2018, gaining 467 new ones from the rest of the country during 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Más de 5.400 empresas trasladaron su sede desde Catalunya tras la consulta del 1-O|url=https://www.elperiodico.com/es/economia/20191012/mas-de-5400-empresas-trasladaron-su-sede-desde-catalunya-desde-la-consulta-del-1-o-7678362|last=Efe|date=12 October 2019|website=elperiodico|language=es|access-date=15 May 2020|archive-date=19 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519052907/https://www.elperiodico.com/es/economia/20191012/mas-de-5400-empresas-trasladaron-su-sede-desde-catalunya-desde-la-consulta-del-1-o-7678362|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Más de 5.600 empresas han huido de Cataluña en dos años|url=https://www.libremercado.com/2019-10-14/empresas-huido-cataluna-referendun-1276646261/|date=14 October 2019|website=Libre Mercado|language=es-ES|access-date=15 May 2020|archive-date=19 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519052907/https://www.libremercado.com/2019-10-14/empresas-huido-cataluna-referendun-1276646261/|url-status=live}}</ref> It has been reported that the Spanish government and the Spanish King ] pressured some of the big Catalan companies to move their headquarters outside of the region.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Manté|first=Albert Martín / àlex Font|date=2018-10-05|title=L'Estat va treure milers de milions de dipòsits dels bancs catalans el 2-O|url=https://www.ara.cat/economia/treure-milers-milions-diposits-catalans_1_1196067.html|access-date=2023-04-10|website=Ara.cat|language=ca|archive-date=10 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410134634/https://www.ara.cat/economia/treure-milers-milions-diposits-catalans_1_1196067.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Martín|first=Àlex Font Manté, Natàlia Vila, Albert|date=2018-10-06|title=Així va fer l'Estat la guerra econòmica contra Catalunya|url=https://emprenem.ara.cat/empreses/aixi-guerra-economica-contra-catalunya_1_1033187.html|access-date=2023-04-10|website=Ara.cat|language=ca|archive-date=10 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410134635/https://emprenem.ara.cat/empreses/aixi-guerra-economica-contra-catalunya_1_1033187.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


The stock market of Barcelona, which in 2016 had a volume of around €152{{spaces}}billion, is the second largest of Spain after Madrid, and ] organizes international exhibitions and congresses to do with different sectors of the economy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.borsabcn.es/docs/BBarna/docsSubidos/DatosBasicos/factb2016.pdf|title=Fact Sheet 2016 |publisher=Barcelona Stock Exchange|access-date=21 February 2018|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107055735/http://www.borsabcn.es/docs/BBarna/docsSubidos/DatosBasicos/factb2016.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
1.
1. Organisation and planning of the tourism sector.
2. Promotion of tourism, which includes the signing of agreements with foreign organisations and the creation of offices abroad.
3. Regulation and classification of tourism companies and establishments, and management of the network of Generalitat-owned tourism establishments. With a view to facilitating coordination between these establishments and those of the State network of Paradores Nacionales located in Catalonia, the Generalitat participates, in the terms established by State legislation, in the governing bodies of the Paradores de Turismo de España.
4. Regulation of the specific rights and obligations of users and providers of tourist services and of alternative means for conflict resolution.
5. Teaching and training in tourism that do not lead to the award of an official qualification.
6. Establishment of criteria, regulation of conditions and implementation and control over public funds for assistance and promotion of tourism.


The main economic cost for Catalan families is the purchase of a home. According to data from the Society of Appraisal on 31{{nbsp}}December{{nbsp}}2005 Catalonia is, after Madrid, the second most expensive region in Spain for housing: 3,397{{spaces}}€/m<sup>2</sup> on average{{citation needed|date=December 2022}} (see ]).
ARTICLE 172. UNIVERSITIES


=== Unemployment ===
1. In matters of university education, the Generalitat has exclusive power, without prejudice to university autonomy, over:
The unemployment rate stood at 10.5% in 2019 and was lower than the national average.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/tgm/table.do?tab=table&init=1&language=de&pcode=tgs00010&plugin=1|title=Regional Unemployment by NUTS2 Region|website=Eurostat|access-date=13 November 2018|archive-date=5 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105202703/https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/tgm/table.do?tab=table&init=1&language=de&pcode=tgs00010&plugin=1|url-status=live}}</ref>
1. Planning and coordination of the Catalan university system, in the framework of the general coordination.
{| class="wikitable"
2. The decision to create public universities and authorise private universities.
|+Unemployment rate (December data) (%)
3. The approval of statutes of the public universities and of rules for organisation and functioning of the private universities.
|-
4. Coordination of the procedures for access to the universities.
!2006
5. The legal framework governing the university own qualifications, in accordance with the principle of university autonomy.
!2007
6. Its own funding for universities and, where appropriate, management of State funds for university education.
!2008
7. Regulation and management of its own grants and subsidies system for university education and, where appropriate, regulation and management of State funds in this area.
!2009
8. The system of remuneration of teaching and research staff employed by the universities and the establishment of additional remuneration for teaching staff in permanent public employment.
!2010
2. In matters of university education, the Generalitat has shared power, without prejudice to university autonomy, over all matters not referred to in Section 1 above, which include in any case:
!2011
1. Regulation of the requirements for the creation and recognition of universities and university centres, and attachment of these centres to universities.
!2012
2. The legal system for organisation and functioning of the public universities, including the governing and representative bodies.
!2013
3. Appointment and withdrawal of the capacity of public or private teaching centres to issue official university qualifications, and creation, modification and abolition of university centres in public universities, and also recognition of these centres in private universities and the introduction and abolition of teaching subjects.
!2014
4. Regulation of the system of access to the universities.
!2015
5. Regulation of the system governing contracted and permanent teaching and research personnel.
!2016
6. Evaluating and ensuring the excellence and quality of university education, and also that of teaching and research personnel.
!2017
3. Executive power over issue of official university qualifications.
!2018
!2019
|-
|align="right"|6.6%
|align="right"|6.5%
|align="right"|11.8%
|align="right"|16.9%
|align="right"|17.9%
|align="right"|20.4%
|align="right"|23.8%
|align="right"|21.9%
|align="right"|19.9%
|align="right"|17.7%
|align="right"|14.9%
|align="right"|12.6%
|align="right"|11.8%
|10.5%
|}


=== Transport ===
ARTICLE 173. VIDEO AND SOUND SURVEILLANCE AND RECORDINGS The Generalitat has responsibility for use of video and sound surveillance, recordings or other similar means, implemented by the police of Catalonia or by private companies or establishments in the public sphere. The Generalitat shall exercise this power while respecting the fundamental rights.


==== Airports ====
Catalonia is an ] in the Kingdom of ], with the status of ] in the ]. In September 2005, the ] approved the definition of Catalonia as a nation in the ]<ref>, Generalitat of Catalonia</ref> of the new ] (autonomous constitution). In the opinion of the Spanish Government this mention does have a declaratory but not legal value, since the Spanish Constitution recognizes the indissoluble "unity of the Spanish Nation" and does not recognize its different nationalities. This said, Spain can now be argued to have a federal structure in practice.
] tower]]
{{See also|List of airports in Catalonia}}
Airports in Catalonia are owned and operated by ] (a ] entity) except two airports in Lleida which are operated by ] (an entity belonging to the ]).


*] (Aena)
==History==
*] (Aena)
{{main|History of Catalonia}}
*] (Aena)
*] (Aeroports de Catalunya)
*] (Aena)
*] (Aeroports de Catalunya)


==== Ports ====
Like some other parts in the rest of the ] coast of the ], it was colonized by ], which chose ] to settle in. Both Greeks and ] (who, in the course of the ], briefly ruled the territory) interacted with the main ] substratum. After the Carthaginian defeat, it became, along with the rest of ], a part of the ], ] being one of the main Roman posts in the Iberian Peninsula.
{{See also|List of ports in Spain}}
]
Since the Middle Ages, Catalonia has been well integrated into international maritime networks. The ] (owned and operated by {{lang|es|]}}, a Spanish Government entity) is an industrial, commercial and tourist port of worldwide importance. With 1,950,000{{nbsp}}] in 2015, it is the first container port in Catalonia, the third in Spain after Valencia and ] in Andalusia, the 9th{{nbsp}}in the Mediterranean Sea, the 14th{{nbsp}}in Europe and the 68th{{nbsp}}in the world. It is sixth largest cruise port in the world, the first in Europe and the Mediterranean with 2,364,292{{nbsp}}passengers in 2014. The ports of ] (owned and operated by Puertos del Estado) in the southwest and ] near Girona at northeast are much more modest. The port of Palamós and the other ports in Catalonia{{nbsp}}(26) are operated and administered by {{lang|ca|{{ill|Ports de la Generalitat|ca|vertical-align=sup}}}}, a Catalan Government entity.


The development of these infrastructures, resulting from the topography and history of the Catalan territory, responds strongly to the administrative and political organization of this autonomous community.
It then briefly came under ] rule after ]'s collapse. But soon after it became under ] ] control in the ]. Still, after the defeat of Emir Abdul Rahman Al Ghafiqiwas's troops at ] in ], the ] conquered former Visigoth states which had been captured by the Muslims or had become allied with them in what today is the northernmost part of Catalonia. ] created in 795 which came to be known as the ], a ] beyond the province of ] made up of locally administered separate ]s which served as a defensive barrier between the ] ] of ] and the ].


==== Roads ====
The Catalan culture started to develop in the ] stemming from a number of these petty kingdoms organized as small counties throughout the northernmost part of Catalonia. The ] were Frankish ]s nominated by the emperor then the king of France, to whom they were feudatories (801-987).
{{See also|List of primary highways in Catalonia}}
] ({{lang|ca|Eix del Llobregat}})]]


There are {{convert|12000|km}} of roads throughout Catalonia.
In 987 the count of Barcelona did not recognise french king ] and his new dynasty which put it effectively out of the Frankish rule. Then, in 1137 ] married ] establishing the dynastic union of the County of Barcelona with the ] which was to create the ]).


The principal highways are <span style="background: #009; color: white">'''{{spaces}}AP-7{{spaces}}'''</span> ({{lang|ca|Autopista de la Mediterrània}}) and <span style="background: #009; color: white">'''{{spaces}}A-7{{spaces}}'''</span> ({{lang|ca|Autovia de la Mediterrània}}). They follow the coast from the ] to ], ] and ]. The main roads generally radiate from Barcelona. The <span style="background: #009; color: white">'''{{spaces}}AP-2{{spaces}}'''</span> ] ({{lang|ca|Autopista del Nord-est}}) and <span style="background: #009; color: white">'''{{spaces}}A-2{{spaces}}'''</span> ({{lang|ca|Autovia del Nord-est}}) connect inland and onward to Madrid.
It was not until 1258, by the ], that the king of France did formally relinquish his feudal overlordship over the counties of the ] to the king of Aragon ], descendant of Ramon Berenguer IV. This Treaty turned the ] independence into a full ] direct transition from French to Aragonese rule. It also solved an historic incongruence. As part of the ], Catalonia became a great maritime power, helping to expand the ] by trade and conquest into ], the ], and even ] or ].


Other major roads are:
The marriage of ] and ] (1469) unified all the Christian kingdoms in Spain (except the ], which was annexed to the Castilian crown in 1513). This resulted in the dawn of the ], made up by the former Crown of Aragon, Castile and Navarra. In 1492, the last remaining portion of ] around Granada was conquered and the Spanish conquest of ] began. Political power began to shift away from Aragón toward Castile and, subsequently, from Castile to the ], which engaged in frequent warfare in Europe striving for world domination.
{| class="wikitable"
! ID !! Itinerary
|-
| {{Identificador carretera española|id = N-II|colorbg = #f00}}|| Lleida-]
|-
| {{Identificador carretera española|id = C-12|colorbg = #f00}}|| ]-]
|-
| {{Identificador carretera española|id = C-16|colorbg = #f00}}|| Barcelona-]
|-
| {{Identificador carretera española|id = C-17|colorbg = #f00}} ]|| Barcelona-]
|-
| {{Identificador carretera española|id = C-25|colorbg = #f00}}|| ]-Girona
|-
| {{Identificador carretera española|id = A-26|colorbg = #039}}|| ]-]
|-
| {{Identificador carretera española|id = C-32|colorbg = #f00}} ]|| ]-]
|-
| {{Identificador carretera española|id = C-60|colorbg = #f00}} ]|| ]-]
|}


Public-own roads in Catalonia are either managed by the autonomous government of Catalonia (e.g., <span style="background: red; color: white">'''{{spaces}}C-{{spaces}}'''</span> roads) or the ] (e.g., <span style="background: #009; color: white">'''{{spaces}}AP-{{spaces}}'''</span>, <span style="background: #009; color: white">'''{{spaces}}A-{{spaces}}'''</span>, <span style="background: red; color: white">'''{{spaces}}N-{{spaces}}'''</span> roads).


==== Railways ====
]]]
{{See also|Rail transport in Catalonia}}
For an extended period, Catalonia, as part of the late ], continued to retain its own usages and laws, but these gradually eroded in the course of the transition from a feudal state to a modern one and the king's struggle to get from the territories as much of the power as possible. Over the next few centuries, Catalonia was generally on the losing side of a series of wars that led steadily to more centralization of power in Spain.
] at ] ]]
Catalonia saw the first railway construction in the ] in 1848, linking Barcelona with ]. Given the topography, most lines radiate from Barcelona. The city has both suburban and inter-city services. The main east coast line runs through the province connecting with the ] (French Railways) at ] on the coast.


There are two publicly owned railway companies operating in Catalonia: the Catalan ] that operates commuter and regional services, and the Spanish national ] that operates long-distance and high-speed rail services (AVE and Avant) and the main commuter and regional service {{lang|ca|]}}, administered by the Catalan government since 2010.
The most significant conflict was the ], which began when ] died without a successor in 1700. Catalonia, as the other kingdoms which used to form the Crown of Aragon, mostly took side with the Austrian branch of the ] dynasty pretender, while most of Spain fell under the French Bourbon claimant, ]. Following the final surrender of Catalan troops on ] ], Felipe V's ] banned all the main Aragonese political institutions and imposed military-based rule over the region in direct violation of the ].


] (]) services from ] currently reach Barcelona, via Lleida and Tarragona. The official opening between Barcelona and Madrid took place 20{{nbsp}}February{{nbsp}}2008. The journey between Barcelona and Madrid now takes about two-and-a-half hours. A connection to the ] has been completed (called the ]) and the Spanish AVE service began commercial services on the line 9{{nbsp}}January{{nbsp}}2013, later offering services to ] on their high speed network.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/europe/spain-opens-iberias-high-speed-rail-link-to-europe.html|title=Spain completes Iberia's high-speed link to Europe|last=Barrow|first=Keith|access-date=24 July 2018|language=en-gb|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924085255/http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/europe/spain-opens-iberias-high-speed-rail-link-to-europe.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/high-speed/single-view/view/high-speed-launched-between-france-and-spain.html|title=High speed services between France and Spain launched|last=Ltd|first=DVV Media International|work=]|access-date=25 July 2018|language=en|archive-date=31 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331214433/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/high-speed/single-view/view/high-speed-launched-between-france-and-spain.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This was shortly followed by the commencement of commercial service by the French TGV on 17{{nbsp}}January{{nbsp}}2013, leading to an average travel time on the ] route of 7h{{nbsp}}42m.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetrainline.com/en/train-times/barcelona-to-paris|title=Barcelona to Paris from €35 in 6h29m {{!}} Times, Tickets & Info|website=]|language=en|access-date=25 July 2018|archive-date=25 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725033306/https://www.thetrainline.com/en/train-times/barcelona-to-paris|url-status=live}}</ref> This new line passes through ] and ] with a ] through the Pyrenees.
In the latter half of the ], Catalonia became an industrial center; to this day it remains one of the most industrialised parts of Spain, rivaled only by the ] and ]. In the first third of the 20th century, Catalonia gained and lost varying degrees of autonomy several times, receiving its first statute of autonomy during the ] (1931). This period was marked by politic unrest and the preeminence of the ] during the ] (1936&ndash;1939). After the defeat of the Republic in the ] (1936&ndash;1939) which brought General ] to power, Catalan autonomy and culture were crushed to an unprecedented degree; during the first years of the dictatoria regime, even use of the ] in public was banned.


{{clear}}
After Franco's death (1975) and the adoption of ] (1978), Catalonia recovered political and cultural autonomy. Today, Catalonia is one of the most economically dynamic regions of Spain. The Catalan capital and largest city, ], is a major international cultural centre and a major tourism destination.


== Demographics ==
Catalonia's second ], adopted by the Catalan government on 22 December 1979, officially recognized Catalonia as a ]. Then, the amended version approved on 9 August 2006 has defined Catalonia as a ] in the preamble. The precise meaning of the term nation is ambiguous as to not conflict with the Spanish Constitution. The Statute of Autonomy also establishes that ''"Catalonia wishes to develop its political personality within the framework of a State which recognises and respects the diversity of identities of the peoples of Spain".'' After the charter was first passed in the regional parliament, it was then edited in conjunction with the national Cortes. The major political parties in Catalonia endorsed the final statute, and it was approved in a referendum in which 73.9% voted for the autonomy plan and 20.8% against it. The turnout was unpredencently low, at around 49% of the total census, which resulted in the highest abstention ever registered in Catalonia regarding this kind of referendum.<ref>, BBC News. 19 June 2006</ref>
{{Main|Catalan people}}
{{Largest cities
| country = Catalonia
| kind = municipalities
| stat_ref = (2020)
| list_by_pop = Municipalities of Catalonia
| div_name = Comarca
| div_link =
| city_1 = Barcelona
| div_1 = Barcelonès
| pop_1 = 1,664,182
| img_1 = 14-08-05-barcelona-RalfR-001.jpg
| city_2 = L'Hospitalet de Llobregat
| div_2 = Barcelonès
| pop_2 = 269,382
| img_2 = Hospitalet de Llobregat - Plaza de Europa, Torres Europa, Torres Porta Fira,Torre Inbisa y Torre Werfen.JPG
| city_3 = Terrassa
| div_3 = Vallès Occidental
| pop_3 = 223,627
| img_3 = Terrassa, Ajuntament, de Lluís Muncunill i altres (a partir de 1900) (14479000031).jpg
| city_4 = Badalona| div_4 = Barcelonès| pop_4 = 223,166| img_4 = Badalona - La Rambla.jpg
| city_5 = Sabadell| div_5 = Vallès Occidental| pop_5 = 216,590
| city_6 = Lleida| div_6 = Segrià| pop_6 = 140,403
| city_7 = Tarragona| div_7 = Tarragonès| pop_7 = 136,496
| city_8 = Mataró| div_8 = Maresme| pop_8 = 129,661
| city_9 = Santa Coloma de Gramenet| div_9 = Barcelonès|pop_9 = 120,443
| city_10 = Reus| div_10 = Baix Camp| pop_10 = 106,168
| city_11 = Girona| div_11 = Gironès| pop_11 = 103,369
| city_12 = Sant Cugat del Vallès| div_12 = Vallès Occidental| pop_12 = 92,977
| city_13 = Cornellà de Llobregat| div_13 = Baix Llobregat| pop_13 = 89,936
| city_14 = Sant Boi de Llobregat| div_14 = Baix Llobregat| pop_14 = 84,500
| city_15 = Rubí, Barcelona| div_15 = Vallès Occidental| pop_15 = 78,591
| city_16 = Manresa|div_16 = Bages| pop_16 = 78,246
| city_17 = Vilanova i la Geltrú| div_17 = Garraf| pop_17 = 67,733
| city_18 = Castelldefels| div_18 = Baix Llobregat| pop_18 = 67,460
| city_19 = Viladecans| div_19 = Baix Llobregat| pop_19 = 67,197
| city_20 = El Prat de Llobregat| div_20 = Baix Llobregat| pop_20 = 65,385


}}
{{see also|Catalan Countries}}
{{Historical populations
|type =
|footnote = Source: ]
|1900| 1966382
|1910| 2084868
|1920| 2344719
|1930| 2791292
|1940| 2890974
|1950| 3240313
|1960| 3925779
|1970| 5122567
|1981| 5949829 <!-- This is correct, not 1980 -->
|1990| 6062273
|2000| 6174547
|2010| 7462044
|2021| 7749896
|2024|8067454}}


As of 2024, the official population of Catalonia was 8.067.454.<ref name="popcat">{{cite web |title=Idescat. Anuari estadístic de Catalunya. Població. Províncies |url=https://www.idescat.cat/novetats/?id=5041&lang=es#:~:text=La%20poblaci%C3%B3n%20de%20Catalu%C3%B1a%20a,del%20a%C3%B1o%2C%20seg%C3%BAn%20datos%20provisionales. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124074828/http://www.idescat.cat/pub/?id=aec&n=245&lang=es=Confirmar |archive-date=24 November 2015 |access-date=16 October 2015 |work=idescat.cat}}</ref> 1,194,947{{nbsp}}residents did not have Spanish citizenship, accounting for about 16% of the population.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.idescat.cat/pub/?id=aec&n=272&lang=es|title=Extranjeros con certificado de registro o tarjeta de residencia en vigor. Por país de nacionalidad.|publisher=idescat.cat|access-date=26 March 2019|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090932/https://www.idescat.cat/pub/?id=aec&n=272&lang=es|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Language==
{{main|Catalan language}}


The ] includes 5,217,864{{nbsp}}people and covers an area of {{convert|2268|km2|abbr=on}}. The metropolitan area of the Urban Region includes cities such as ], ], ], ], ] and ].
{{Catalan-speaking world|align=right}}
], regarded as the native language of Catalonia, is one of the three official languages as established in the Catalan Statute of Autonomy.<ref></ref> The others are ], which is the official language throughout Spain, and ] (spoken in the ] valley).


In 1900, the population of Catalonia was 1,966,382{{nbsp}}people and in 1970 it was 5,122,567.<ref name="popcat" /> The sizeable increase of the population was due to the demographic boom in Spain during the 1960s and early 1970s<ref>]. ''Atlas des migrations dans le monde, Réfugiés ou migrants volontaires, Alternatives Economiques'', éd. Autrement, Paris, 2009.</ref> as well as in consequence of large-scale internal migration from the rural economically weak regions to its more prospering industrial cities. In Catalonia, that wave of internal migration arrived from several regions of Spain, especially from ], ]<ref name="REUTCATPOP"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617195614/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-spain-catalonia-immigration-idUSKBN19711U|date=17 June 2017}} Reuters, 16 June 2017</ref> and ].<ref>Climent-Ferrando, Vicent. "Immigration in Catalonia: In Search of a Public Philosophy". ''Project ALIAS—Autonomy, Labour and Integration in South Tyrol (Bozen: European Academy of Bolzen/Bolzano)'' (2012).</ref> As of 1999, it was estimated that over 60% of Catalans descended from 20th{{nbsp}}century migrations from other parts of Spain.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Costa Pau|first=Marta|date=1 October 1999|title=Más del 60% de la población de Cataluña es fruto de los flujos inmigratorios de este siglo|language=es|work=El País|url=https://elpais.com/diario/1999/10/02/catalunya/938826452_850215.html|access-date=22 November 2021|issn=1134-6582|archive-date=21 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221112337/https://elpais.com/diario/1999/10/02/catalunya/938826452_850215.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
The Catalan autonomous government has been promoting the Catalan language since its comeback in the early 1980s to date. Thus, public education is mostly given in Catalan and partly in Spanish, while government bureaucracy is entirely in Catalan. Businesses are required to display all information (e.g. menus, posters) at least in Catalan under penalty of legal fines,<ref>, ''El Mundo''. 21 December 2006</ref> if they do not comply.<ref></ref> The Catalan government maintains this policy in order to protect and promote Catalan in response to the ] and prohibition of the ] years. Nowadays it encourages new immigrant residents to learn and use Catalan.


Immigrants from other countries settled in Catalonia since the 1990s;<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Jeram|first=Sanjay|date=2017|title=Despite the crisis: The resilience of intercultural nationalism in Catalonia|doi=10.1111/imig.12323|journal=International Migration|volume=55|issue=2|pages=53–67|s2cid=151628467}}</ref> a large percentage comes from ], ] and ], and smaller numbers from ] and ], often settling in urban centers such as Barcelona and industrial areas.<ref>Kleiner-Liebau, D. "Migration and the Construction of National Identity in Spain (Frankfurt: Vervuert)". (2009).</ref> In 2017, Catalonia had 940,497{{nbsp}}foreign residents (11.9%{{nbsp}}of the total population) with non-Spanish ID cards, without including those who acquired Spanish citizenship.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.idescat.cat/pub/?id=aec&n=272&lang=es|title=Idescat. Anuario estadístico de Cataluña. Extranjeros con tarjeta de residencia. Por país de nacionalidad. Provincias|website=www.idescat.cat|access-date=26 March 2019|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090932/https://www.idescat.cat/pub/?id=aec&n=272&lang=es|url-status=live}}</ref>
Catalan is regarded by most ] as being an ] (Such as Spanish, Portuguese, Galician, Aragonese...), but it also has several features of ] such as ] and in lesser degree ].
{|class="table collapsible collapsed" style="float:left;"
|+'''Foreign{{spaces}}population{{spaces}}by{{spaces}}country{{spaces}}of{{spaces}}citizenship'''{{spaces}}(2018)<ref name=ineextranjeros>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ine.es/jaxi/Tabla.htm?path=/t20/e245/p08/l0/&file=02005.px&L=0|publisher=]|access-date=5 April 2019|title=Población extranjera por Nacionalidad, comunidades, Sexo y Año.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426032350/http://www.ine.es/jaxi/Tabla.htm?path=%2Ft20%2Fe245%2Fp08%2Fl0%2F&file=02005.px&L=0|archive-date=26 April 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>
! Nationality|| Population
|-
|{{flagu|Romania}}|| align="right"| 119,177
|-
|{{flagu|Morocco}}|| align="right"| 111,192
|-
|{{flagu|China}}|| align = "right"| 59,380
|-
|{{flagu|Italy}}|| align = "right"| 55,823
|-
|{{flagu|Pakistan}}|| align = "right"| 45,125
|-
|{{flagu|Honduras}}|| align = "right"| 33,728
|-
|{{flagu|France}}|| align = "right"| 33,184
|-
|{{flagu|Bolivia}}|| align = "right"| 30,095
|-
|{{flagu|Colombia}}|| align = "right"| 29,853
|-
|{{flagu|Ecuador}}|| align = "right"| 25,749
|-
|{{flagu|Russia}}|| align = "right"| 24,224
|-
|{{flagu|India}}|| align = "right"| 23,103
|-
|{{flagu|Ukraine}}|| align = "right"| 22,305
|-
|{{flagu|Senegal}}|| align = "right"| 20,828
|-
|{{flagu|Peru}}|| align = "right"| 20,127
|-
|{{flagu|United Kingdom}}|| align = "right"| 19,445
|-
|{{flagu|Argentina}}|| align = "right"| 19,192
|-
|{{flagu|Brazil}}|| align = "right"| 18,917
|-
|{{flagu|Dominican Republic}}|| align = "right"| 18,620
|-
|{{flagu|Germany}}|| align = "right"| 18,002
|-
|{{flagu|Venezuela}}|| align = "right"| 16,933
|-
|{{flagu|Gambia}}|| align = "right"| 14,209
|-
|{{flagu|Paraguay}}|| align = "right"| 13,847
|-
|{{flagu|Portugal}}|| align = "right"| 12,491
|-
|{{flagu|Bulgaria}}|| align = "right"| 11,288
|-
|{{flagu|Algeria}}|| align = "right"| 11,273
|-
|{{flagu|Philippines}}|| align = "right"| 11,061
|-
|}
{{clear}}


{| class="wikitable"
Since the ], ], in its Aranese variety (a dialect of ]), has been official and subject to special protection in the ] (Aran Valley). This small area of 7,000 has been the only place where Occitan (spoken mainly in France and some Italian valleys) has received full official status. Since ] ], after the application of a new statute, Occitan is also official in all of Catalonia.
|'''Foreign Population by Nationality'''<ref>{{Cite web|title=Población extranjera por Nacionalidad, comunidades, Sexo y Año.|url=https://www.ine.es/jaxi/Datos.htm?path=/t20/e245/p08/l0/&file=02005.px|access-date=2023-07-14|website=INE|language=es-ES|archive-date=21 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221082714/https://www.ine.es/jaxi/Datos.htm?path=%2Ft20%2Fe245%2Fp08%2Fl0%2F&file=02005.px|url-status=live}}</ref>

|Number
===Literacy===
|%
According to the 2001 Linguistic Census,<ref>http://www6.gencat.net/llengcat/socio/docs/censling2001.pdf</ref> about 5,900,000 people in Catalonia (nearly 95% of the population) understand the Catalan language. The percentage of people aged two and older who can speak, read and write Catalan is as follows:
{|
|
{| align=left border=1 cellpadding=6 cellspacing=0 style="background: #ffffff; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; text-align:center; font-size: 95%;"
! style="background:#efefef;" colspan=3 | Knowledge of Catalan
|- |-
|2022
! style="background:#efefef;" | Ability
|
! style="background:#efefef;" | Individuals
|
! style="background:#efefef;" | Percentage
|- |-
|'''TOTAL FOREIGNERS'''
! style="background:#efefef;" | Understands
|'''1,271,810'''
| 5,872,202
|
| 94.5%
|- |-
|
! style="background:#efefef;" | Speaks
|
| 4,630,640
|
| 74.5%
|- |-
|
! style="background:#efefef;" | Reads
|
| 4,621,404
|
| 74.4%
|- |-
|EUROPE
! style="background:#efefef;" | Writes
|401,605
| 3,093,223
|
| 49.8%
|- |-
|EUROPEAN UNION
! style="background:#efefef;" | ]
|295,896
| 6,215,281
|
| 100%
|-
|OTHER EUROPE
|105,709
|
|-
|AFRICA
|324,260
|
|-
|SOUTH AMERICA
|247,821
|
|-
|CENTRAL AMERICA
|368,461
|
|-
|NORTH AMERICA
|18,332
|
|-
|ASIA
|184,846
|
|-
|OCEANIA
|1,015
|
|-
|Instituto Nacional de Estadística
|
|
|-
|
|
|} |}

| &nbsp;
=== Religion ===
{{Main|Religion in Catalonia}}
{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = Religion in Catalonia (2020):<ref name="Barometer2020"/>
|label1 = ]
|value1 = 53.0
|color1 = DarkOrchid
|label2 = ]
|value2 = 7.0
|color2 = DodgerBlue
|label3 = ]
|value3 = 1.3
|color3 = Orchid
|label4 = ]
|value4 = 1.0
|color4 = Turquoise
|label5 = ]
|value5 = 18.6
|color5 = DarkGrey
|label6 = ]
|value6 = 8.8
|color6 = Honeydew
|label7 = ]
|value7 = 4.3
|color7 = Green
|label8 = Other Religions
|value8 = 3.4
|color8 = Red
|label9 = No answer/do not know
|value9 = 2.6
|color9 = Black
}}
Historically, all the Catalan population was ], specifically ], but since the 1980s there has been a trend of decline of Christianity. Nevertheless, according to the most recent study sponsored by the ], as of 2020, 62.3% of the Catalans identify as Christians (up from 61.9% in 2016<ref name="Barometer2016">{{cite web|url=http://premsa.gencat.cat/pres_fsvp/docs/2017/07/03/10/56/eee690bf-45d9-4db2-b84f-2c31bfab72ff.pdf|title=Baròmetre sobre la religiositat i sobre la gestió de la seva diversitat 2016 |date=2016|publisher=Institut Opiniòmetre, Generalitat de Catalunya|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020120353/http://premsa.gencat.cat/pres_fsvp/docs/2017/07/03/10/56/eee690bf-45d9-4db2-b84f-2c31bfab72ff.pdf|archive-date=20 October 2018}} p. 30. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020182104/http://es.opinometre.com/2016/11/03/barometre-religiositat-2016/|date=20 October 2018}}.</ref> and 56.5% in 2014<ref name="Barometer20142">{{cite web|url=http://governacio.gencat.cat/web/.content/afers_religiosos/documents/Mapa_2014/Barometre2014_resultats.pdf|title=Baròmetre sobre la religiositat i sobre la gestió de la seva diversitat|date=2014|publisher=Institut Opiniòmetre, Generalitat de Catalunya|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926184822/http://governacio.gencat.cat/web/.content/afers_religiosos/documents/Mapa_2014/Barometre2014_resultats.pdf|archive-date=26 September 2017}} p. 30. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927155818/http://web.gencat.cat/es/actualitat/detall/Barometre-sobre-la-religiositat-i-Mapa-religios-de-Catalunya|date=27 September 2017}}</ref>) of whom 53.0%{{nbsp}}Catholics, 7.0%{{nbsp}}] and ], 1.3%{{nbsp}}]s and 1.0%{{nbsp}}]. At the same time, 18.6% of the population identify as ], 8.8%{{nbsp}}as ], 4.3%{{nbsp}}as ], and a further 3.4% as being of other religions.<ref name="Barometer2020">{{Cite web|url=http://justicia.gencat.cat/web/.content/afers-religiosos/05_estudis/barometre/Informe-de-resultats.pdf|title=Baròmetre sobre la religiositat i sobre la gestió de la seva diversitat 2020 |publisher=Institut Opiniòmetre, Generalitat de Catalunya|language=ca|access-date=19 May 2021|archive-date=19 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519141322/http://justicia.gencat.cat/web/.content/afers-religiosos/05_estudis/barometre/Informe-de-resultats.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Languages ===
{{Main|Languages of Catalonia}}
{{See also|Catalan language|Spanish language|Aranese dialect|Catalan Sign Language}}
{| cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" rules="all" style="width:400px; float:right; margin:1em; background:#fff; border:2px solid #aaa; font-size:100%;"
|- style="background:#ddd;"
! colspan="4" style="text-align:center;"|'''First habitual language, 2018 Demographic Survey'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.idescat.cat/indicadors/?id=anuals&n=10364|title=Idescat. Demographic Survey. Població de 15 anys i més segons llengua inicial, d'identificació i habitual. Catalunya|website=www.idescat.cat|language=en|access-date=2021-02-21|archive-date=6 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406183820/http://www.idescat.cat/indicadors/?id=anuals&n=10364|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| colspan="2"|'''Language'''
|'''Identification language'''
|'''Habitual language'''
|-
| colspan="2"|]
|2 978 000 (46.6%)
|3 104 000 (48.6%)
|-
| colspan="2"|]
|2 320 000 (36.3%)
|2 305 000 (36.1%)
|-
| colspan="2"|Both languages
|440 000 (6.9%)
|474 000 (7.4%)
|-
| colspan="2"|Other languages
|651 000 (10.2%)
|504 000 (7.9%)
|-
|
|Arabic
|114 000 (1.8%)
|61 000 (0.9%)
|-
|
|Romanian
|58 000 (0.9%)
|24 000 (0.4%)
|-
|
|English
|29 000 (0.5%)
|26 000 (0.4%)
|-
|
|French
|26 000 (0.4%)
|16 000 (0.2%)
|-
|
|Berber
|25 000 (0.4%)
|20 000 (0.3%)
|-
|
|Chinese
|20 000 (0.3%)
|18 000 (0.3%)
|-
|
|Other languages
|281 000 (4.4%)
|153 000 (2.4%)
|-
|
|Other combinations
|96 000 (1.5%)
|193 000 (3.0%)
|-
| colspan="2"|Total population 15 year old and over
|6 386 000 (100.0%)
|6 386 000 (100.0%)
|} |}
]-speaking regions of Europe]]
According to the linguistic census held by the Government of Catalonia in 2013, Spanish is the most spoken language in Catalonia (46.53%{{nbsp}}claim Spanish as "their own language"), followed by ] (37.26%{{nbsp}}claim Catalan as "their own language"). In everyday use, 11.95%{{nbsp}}of the population claim to use both languages equally, whereas 45.92%{{nbsp}}mainly use Spanish and 35.54%{{nbsp}}mainly use Catalan. There is a significant difference between the ] (and, to a lesser extent, the ]), where Spanish is more spoken than Catalan, and the more rural and small town areas, where Catalan clearly prevails over Spanish.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idescat.cat/dequavi/?TC=444&V0=15&V1=2|title=Idescat. Dades demogràfiques i de qualitat de vida|publisher=Idescat.cat|access-date=25 April 2010|archive-date=4 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104072959/http://www.idescat.cat/dequavi/?TC=444&V0=15&V1=2|url-status=live}}</ref>


Originating in the historic territory of Catalonia, ] has enjoyed special status since the approval of the ] which declares it to be "Catalonia's own language",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gencat.cat/generalitat/eng/estatut/titol_preliminar.htm#a6|title=Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia (Article 6)|publisher=Gencat.cat|access-date=25 April 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528011550/http://www.gencat.cat/generalitat/eng/estatut/titol_preliminar.htm#a6|archive-date=28 May 2008}}</ref> a term which signifies a language given special legal status within a Spanish territory, or which is historically spoken within a given region. The other languages with official status in Catalonia are Spanish, which has official status throughout Spain, and Aranese Occitan, which is spoken in Val d'Aran.
As a result of the ongoing ], implemented in various degrees by the autonomous government during the last 20 years, knowledge of Catalan has advanced significantly in all these areas, with the ability to write it having experienced the most pronounced increase, from 31.6% of the population in 1986 to 49.8% in 2001.


Since the ], ] (a ] dialect of ]) has also been official and subject to special protection in ]. This small area of 7,000{{nbsp}}inhabitants was the only place where a dialect of Occitan had received full official status. Then, on 9{{nbsp}}August{{nbsp}}2006, when the new Statute came into force, Occitan became official throughout Catalonia. Occitan is the mother tongue of 22.4% of the population of Val d'Aran, which has attracted heavy immigration from other Spanish regions to work in the service industry.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709132415/http://www20.gencat.cat/docs/Llengcat/Documents/Dades_territori_poblacio/Altres/Arxius/EULP2008.pdf|date=9 July 2011}}, cap. 8. ''La Val d'Aran''.</ref> ] is also officially recognised.<ref name="estatut_langs" />
By age groups, those between 10 and 29 have the highest level of Catalan-language literacy (e.g., 98.2% aged 10&ndash;14 understand it, and 85.2% can write it); this is attributed to these individuals having received a proper education in Catalan.


Although not considered an "official language" in the same way as Catalan, Spanish, and Occitan, the ], with about 18,000 users in Catalonia,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ethnologue.com/show_language.asp?code=csc|title=Catalan Sign Language|publisher=Ethnologue.com|date=19 February 1999|access-date=1 July 2014|archive-date=3 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003051354/http://www.ethnologue.com/show_language.asp?code=csc|url-status=live}}</ref> is granted official recognition and support: "The public authorities shall guarantee the use of Catalan sign language and conditions of equality for deaf people who choose to use this language, which shall be the subject of education, protection and respect."<ref name="estatut_langs"/>
Geographically, Catalan is understood in northwest Catalonia (], ]), at 97.4%, followed by south and western Catalonia, whereas ]'s metropolitan area sees the lowest knowledge, at 93.8%. The situation is analogous for written-language skills, with central Catalonia scoring the highest percentages (61.4%), and Barcelona the lowest (46.4%).


As was the case since the ascent of the Bourbon dynasty to the throne of Spain after the ], and with the exception of the short period of the ], under ] Catalan was banned from schools and all other official use, so that for example families were not allowed to officially register children with Catalan names.<ref>{{cite book|author=Joan Miralles i Montserrat|author2=Josep Massot i Muntaner|title=Entorn de la histáoria de la llengua|year=2001|publisher=L'Abadia de Montserrat|isbn=978-84-8415-309-2|page=72}}</ref> Although never completely banned, Catalan language publishing was severely restricted during the early 1940s, with only religious texts and small-run self-published texts being released. Some books were published clandestinely or circumvented the restrictions by showing publishing dates prior to 1936.<ref>{{cite book|author=Pelai Pagès i Blanch|title=Franquisme i repressió: la repressió franquista als països catalans 1939–1975 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OWDyyyaL7dMC&pg=PA182|access-date=6 January 2011|year=2004|publisher=Universitat de València|isbn=978-84-370-5924-2|archive-date=8 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408064809/https://books.google.com/books?id=OWDyyyaL7dMC&pg=PA182|url-status=live}}</ref> This policy was changed in 1946, when restricted publishing in Catalan resumed.<ref>{{cite book|author=Pelai Pagès i Blanch|title=Franquisme i repressió: la repressió franquista als països catalans (1939–1975) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OWDyyyaL7dMC&pg=PA182|year=2004|publisher=Universitat de València|isbn=978-84-370-5924-2|access-date=9 November 2020|archive-date=8 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408064809/https://books.google.com/books?id=OWDyyyaL7dMC&pg=PA182|url-status=live}}</ref>
Barcelona is one of the main centres of the ] for both Spanish-language and Catalan-language publishing.


Rural–urban migration originating in other parts of Spain also reduced the social use of Catalan in urban areas and increased the use of Spanish. Lately, a similar ] phenomenon has occurred with foreign immigration. Catalan cultural activity increased in the 1960s and the teaching of Catalan began thanks to the initiative of associations such as ].
===Social Use===
According to a study carried out in 2003 by the Generalitat de Catalunya,<ref>http://www6.gencat.net/llengcat/socio/docs/usos2003.pdf</ref> Catalan is used by 50.1% of the population in everyday situations.


After the end of Francoist Spain, the newly established self-governing democratic institutions in Catalonia embarked on a long-term ] to recover the use of Catalan<ref>{{cite book|author=Turell, M. Teresa|title=Multilingualism in Spain: Sociolinguistic and Psycholinguistic Aspects of Linguistic Minority Groups|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=li0Fmtfxd6kC&pg=PA64|access-date=25 April 2010|year=2001|publisher=Multilingual Matters|isbn=978-1-85359-491-5|archive-date=7 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407161209/https://books.google.com/books?id=li0Fmtfxd6kC&pg=PA64|url-status=live}}</ref> and has, since 1983, enforced laws which attempt to protect and extend the use of Catalan. This policy, known as the "linguistic normalisation" ({{lang|ca|normalització lingüística}} in Catalan, {{lang|es|normalización lingüística}} in Spanish) has been supported by the vast majority of Catalan political parties through the last thirty years. Some groups consider these efforts a way to discourage the use of Spanish,<ref>{{cite web|author=Parra, Belen|url=http://medios.mugak.eu/noticias/noticia/150764|title=Diario El Mundo, Spanish Only|publisher=Medios.mugak.eu|date=5 June 2008|access-date=25 April 2010|archive-date=20 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720165815/http://medios.mugak.eu/noticias/noticia/150764|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elimparcial.es/contenido/19605.html|title=Diario El Imparcial, Spanish Only|publisher=Elimparcial.es|date=26 July 2008|access-date=25 April 2010|archive-date=20 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090720031837/http://www.elimparcial.es/contenido/19605.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.periodistadigital.com/ultimahora.php/2006/06/17/llaman_lputo_inmigrante_espanolr_al_padr|title=Diario Periodista Digital, Spanish Only|publisher=Blogs.periodistadigital.com|access-date=25 April 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717065158/http://blogs.periodistadigital.com/ultimahora.php/2006/06/17/llaman_lputo_inmigrante_espanolr_al_padr|archive-date=17 July 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.periodistadigital.com/ultimahora.php/2006/02/02/la_justicia_obliga_a_una_escuela_de_bada|title=Diario Periodista Digital, Spanish Only|publisher=Blogs.periodistadigital.com|access-date=25 April 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717060618/http://blogs.periodistadigital.com/ultimahora.php/2006/02/02/la_justicia_obliga_a_una_escuela_de_bada|archive-date=17 July 2009}}</ref> whereas some others, including the Catalan government<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080909190343/http://www.parlament.cat/activitat/dspcp/transcripcions/09_Inter_hora_castella.pdf|date=9 September 2008}} (in Calatan)</ref> and the European Union<ref>{{cite web|last1=Spongenberg|first1=Helena|title=Catalan, Basque and Galician get EU language boost|url=https://euobserver.com/political/22007|publisher=]|access-date=11 October 2017|language=en|date=4 July 2006|archive-date=12 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012095005/https://euobserver.com/political/22007|url-status=live}}</ref> consider the policies respectful,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abcdesevilla.es/hemeroteca/historico-23-11-2006/abc/Nacional/montilla-tiende-la-mano-a-ciu-en-su-investidura-porque-quiere-ser-el-presidente-de-todos_153116223549.html|title=Buscador online de noticias|last=ABCDESEVILA|work=abcdesevilla.es|date=23 November 2006}}{{Dead link|date=August 2019|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> or even as an example which "should be disseminated throughout the Union".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/education_culture/publ/pdf/language/highreport_en.pdf|title=High Level Group on Multilingualism – Final Report: from the Commission of the European Communities in which Catalan immersion is taken as an example which "should be disseminated throughout the Union" (p. 18).|access-date=25 April 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325180133/http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/education_culture/publ/pdf/language/highreport_en.pdf|archive-date=25 March 2009}}</ref>
Significantly, over 55% of respondents use Spanish to address their parents (versus 42% who choose Catalan). This is attributed to massive immigration from other areas in Spain during the second half of the 20th century, as a consequence of which many Catalans have one or both parents born outside Catalonia. However, a majority (52.6%) use Catalan with their children (42.3% Spanish). This can be attributed to some Spanish-speaking citizens shifting from their mother tongue to Catalan at home.


]}} by a century]]
Outside the family, 48.6% of the population indicate that they address strangers exclusively or preferentially in Catalan, while the proportion of those who use Spanish is 41.7%. Then 8.6% claim to use both equally.


Today, Catalan is the main language of the Catalan autonomous government and the other public institutions that fall under its jurisdiction. Basic public education is given mainly in Catalan, but also there are some hours per week of Spanish medium instruction. Although businesses are required by law to display all information (e.g. menus, posters) at least in Catalan, this not systematically enforced. There is no obligation to display this information in either Occitan or Spanish, although there is no restriction on doing so in these or other languages. The use of fines was introduced in a 1997 linguistic law<ref>{{cite web|url=http://llengua.gencat.cat/permalink/78000b57-5382-11e4-8f3f-000c29cdf219|title=Catalonia's linguistic law|publisher=gencat.cat|access-date=16 August 2017|archive-date=20 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720133246/http://llengua.gencat.cat/permalink/78000b57-5382-11e4-8f3f-000c29cdf219|url-status=live}}</ref> that aims to increase the public use of Catalan and defend the rights of Catalan speakers. On the other hand, the Spanish Constitution does not recognize equal language rights for national minorities since it enshrined Spanish as the only official language of the state, the knowledge of which being compulsory. Numerous laws regarding for instance the labelling of pharmaceutical products, make in effect Spanish the only language of compulsory use.
===Aranese===
According to the 2001 ] Linguistic Census,<ref>http://www6.gencat.net/llengcat/aran/docs/a_aran_cens.pdf</ref> knowledge of Aranese in the Occitan-speaking territory of Aran is as follows:
{| align=left border=1 cellpadding=6 cellspacing=0 style="margin: 0 0 0 0; background: #ffffff; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; text-align:center; font-size: 95%;"
! style="background:#efefef;" colspan=3 | Knowledge of Aranese
|-
! style="background:#efefef;" | Ability
! style="background:#efefef;" | Individuals
! style="background:#efefef;" | Percentage
|-
! style="background:#efefef;" | Understand
| 6,712
| 88.88%
|-
! style="background:#efefef;" | Speak
| 4,700
| 62.24%
|-
! style="background:#efefef;" | Read
| 4,413
| 58.44%
|-
! style="background:#efefef;" | Write
| 2,016
| 26.69%
|}
<br clear=all>


The law ensures that both Catalan and Spanish – being official languages – can be used by the citizens without prejudice in all public and private activities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://llengua.gencat.cat/permalink/78000b57-5382-11e4-8f3f-000c29cdf219|title=Second article of Catalonia's linguistic law|publisher=gencat.cat|access-date=16 August 2017|archive-date=20 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720133246/http://llengua.gencat.cat/permalink/78000b57-5382-11e4-8f3f-000c29cdf219|url-status=live}}</ref> The Generalitat uses Catalan in its communications and notifications addressed to the general population, but citizens can also receive information from the Generalitat in Spanish if they so wish.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://llengua.gencat.cat/permalink/78000b57-5382-11e4-8f3f-000c29cdf219|title=Ninth article of Catalonia's Linguistic Law|publisher=gencat.cat|access-date=16 August 2017|archive-date=20 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720133246/http://llengua.gencat.cat/permalink/78000b57-5382-11e4-8f3f-000c29cdf219|url-status=live}}</ref> Debates in the Catalan Parliament take place almost exclusively in Catalan and the ] broadcasts programs mainly in Catalan.
Compared to previous data from 1996, the number of those able to understand Aranese has declined slightly (90.5% in 1996), while at the same time there has been a marginal increase in the number of those able to write it (24.97% in 1996).


Due to the ]{{citation needed|date=December 2022}} which Spain in general and Catalonia in particular experienced in the first decade of the 21st century, many foreign languages are spoken in various cultural communities in Catalonia, of which ]-],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ub.edu/cusc/revista/lsc/hemeroteca/numero8/articles/comellas.pdf|title=DESCOBRIR LES LLENGÜES DE LA IMMIGRACIÓ|publisher=University of Barcelona|access-date=6 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225024155/http://www.ub.edu/cusc/revista/lsc/hemeroteca/numero8/articles/comellas.pdf|archive-date=25 December 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> ], ]<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120606142227/http://www.idescat.cat/dequavi/?TC=444&V0=15&V1=2&VA=2008&VOK=Confirmar|date=6 June 2012}}. ''Institut d'Estadística de Catalunya''. Idescat.cat</ref> and ] are the most common ones.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.europapress.es/cultura/noticia-catalunya-arabe-urdu-aparecen-lenguas-habituales-catalunya-creando-peligro-guetos-20090629150020.html|title=Árabe y urdu aparecen entre las lenguas habituales de Catalunya, creando peligro de guetos.|publisher=Europapress.es|date=29 June 2009|access-date=25 April 2010|archive-date=18 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118070643/http://www.europapress.es/cultura/noticia-catalunya-arabe-urdu-aparecen-lenguas-habituales-catalunya-creando-peligro-guetos-20090629150020.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
By age groups, the largest percentage of those with knowledge of Aranese is in the 15-19 and 65-69 groups (both above 96%), while those aged 30-34 score lowest (just over 80%). Literacy is higher in the 10-19 group with over 88% declaring themselves able to read, and 76% able to write Aranese. Those over 80 are the least literate, with only about 1.5% of them being able to write the language.


In Catalonia, there is a high social and political consensus on the language policies favoring Catalan, also among Spanish speakers and speakers of other languages.<ref name="presencia.cat">{{cite web|url=http://www.presencia.cat/noticia/article/2-societat/5-societat/349929-els-nous-catalanoparlants-a-favor-de-la-immersio-lingueistica.html|title=Presència|publisher=Presencia.cat|date=26 January 2014|access-date=31 January 2014|archive-date=6 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706215518/http://www.presencia.cat/noticia/article/2-societat/5-societat/349929-els-nous-catalanoparlants-a-favor-de-la-immersio-lingueistica.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.asabadell.cat/ca/notices/2010/04/els_nous_catalanoparlants_defensen_la_llengua_catalana_8694.php|title=El Blog de Antonio Sabadell – Blog Personal|website=www.asabadell.cat|access-date=13 September 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706214434/http://www.asabadell.cat/ca/notices/2010/04/els_nous_catalanoparlants_defensen_la_llengua_catalana_8694.php|archive-date=6 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.normalitzacio.cat/noticia/index.php?sec=noticia&n=17756|title=normalitzacio.cat|publisher=normalitzacio.cat|access-date=31 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108191848/http://www.normalitzacio.cat/noticia/index.php?sec=noticia&n=17756|archive-date=8 January 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|editor=Joan Albert Argenter|title=Debat sobre la normalització lingüística: Ple de l'Institut d'Estudis Catalans (18 d'abril de 1990) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HFGjJKrayXQC&pg=PA24|year=1991|publisher=Institut d'Estudis Catalans|isbn=978-84-7283-168-1|page=24|access-date=9 November 2020|archive-date=8 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408060707/https://books.google.com/books?id=HFGjJKrayXQC&pg=PA24|url-status=live}}</ref>{{update inline|date=September 2019}} However, some of these policies have been criticised for trying to promote Catalan by imposing fines on businesses. For example, following the passage of the law on Catalan cinema in March 2010, which established that half of the movies shown in Catalan cinemas had to be in Catalan, a general strike of 75% of the cinemas took place.<ref>{{cite web|author=Louis @|url=http://www.cafebabel.co.uk/article/32923/catalan-cinema-dubbing-protest-law.html|title=Cinema law: rude case to not dub and subtitle all films in Catalan|publisher=Cafebabel.co.uk|date=25 March 2010|access-date=25 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327093159/http://www.cafebabel.co.uk/article/32923/catalan-cinema-dubbing-protest-law.html|archive-date=27 March 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Catalan government gave in and dropped the clause that forced 50% of the movies to be dubbed or subtitled in Catalan before the law came to effect.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.vilaweb.cat/noticia/4204962/20140723/nova-llei-cinema-elimina-quotes-doblatge-catala.html|title=La nova llei del cinema elimina les quotes de doblatge en català|date=23 July 2014|work=VilaWeb|access-date=10 February 2019|language=ca|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212011620/https://www.vilaweb.cat/noticia/4204962/20140723/nova-llei-cinema-elimina-quotes-doblatge-catala.html|archive-date=12 February 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> On the other hand, organisations such as ] reported different violations of the linguistic rights of the Catalan speakers in Catalonia and the other Catalan-speaking territories in Spain, most of them caused by the institutions of the Spanish government in these territories.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.plataforma-llengua.cat/que-fem/noticies/2252/la-plataforma-per-la-llengua-denuncia-en-un-informe-40-casos-greus-de-discriminacio-linguistica-a-les-administracions-publiques-ocorreguts-els-darrers-anys|title=La Plataforma per la Llengua denuncia en un informe 40 casos greus de discriminació lingüística a les administracions públiques ocorreguts els darrers anys|date=12 June 2013|access-date=12 June 2013|archive-date=15 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015213911/https://www.plataforma-llengua.cat/que-fem/noticies/2252/la-plataforma-per-la-llengua-denuncia-en-un-informe-40-casos-greus-de-discriminacio-linguistica-a-les-administracions-publiques-ocorreguts-els-darrers-anys|url-status=live}}</ref>
It is significant to note that in the Val d'Aran, those born outside Spain outnumber Spaniards born outside Aran and Catalonia in the active use of Aranese (17% of non-Spaniards can write Aranese, while the percentage for Spaniards excluding Catalans is 10%).


The Catalan language policy has been challenged by some political parties in the Catalan Parliament. ], currently the main opposition party, has been one of the most consistent critics of the Catalan language policy within Catalonia. The Catalan branch of the ] has a more ambiguous position on the issue: on one hand, it demands a bilingual Catalan–Spanish education and a more balanced language policy that would defend Catalan without favoring it over Spanish,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8y3yT9t_IDA|title=Alicia Sánchez-Camacho responde en 'Tengo una pregunta para usted'|publisher=YouTube|date=11 November 2010|access-date=31 January 2014|archive-date=10 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310054402/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8y3yT9t_IDA&feature=youtu.be|url-status=live}}</ref> whereas on the other hand, a few local PP politicians have supported in their municipalities measures privileging Catalan over Spanish<ref>{{cite web|author=Regió7|url=http://www.regio7.cat/arreu-catalunya-espanya-mon/2010/10/28/ppc-votar-favor-dun-reglament-sobre-catala/110435.html|title=El PPC va votar a favor d'un reglament sobre el català – Regió7. El Diari de la Catalunya Central|date=28 October 2010|publisher=Regio7.cat|access-date=31 January 2014|archive-date=8 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108192201/http://www.regio7.cat/arreu-catalunya-espanya-mon/2010/10/28/ppc-votar-favor-dun-reglament-sobre-catala/110435.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and it has defended some aspects of the official language policies, sometimes against the positions of its colleagues from other parts of Spain.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.3cat24.cat/noticia/889146/barcelones/Sanchez-Camacho-rebutja-la-postura-inicial-de-Bauza-de-derogar-la-llei-de-Normalitzacio-Linguistica-a-les-Illes-Balears|title=Sánchez-Camacho rebutja la postura inicial de Bauzá de derogar la llei de Normalització Lingüística a les Illes Balears|date=9 October 2010|publisher=3cat24.cat|access-date=31 January 2014}}</ref>
==Economy of Catalonia==
The GDP as of 2005 is € 170,450 million<ref> CIDEM</ref> and Per capita GDP is $24,858, ranking 4th among autonomous communities in Spain.


== Culture ==
The Catalan economy is distinguished by its industrial profile. The distribution of sectors in Catalonia is as follows: {{Fact|date=March 2007}}
*]: 2.8%
*]: 37.2%
*]: 60%


=== Art and architecture ===
The ] growth is 3,3%,<ref> CIDEM</ref> the land dedicated to agricultural use is 33%. The most commonly cultivated crops in Catalonia are ], ], ], ]s, ]s and ]s.
{{Main|Art of Catalonia}}
{{multiple image
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| footer = Left: ]. Right: ]
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Catalonia has given to the world many important figures in the area of the art. Catalan painters internationally known are, among others, ], ] and ]. Closely linked with the Catalan pictorial atmosphere, ] lived in Barcelona during his youth, training them as an artist and creating the movement of ]. Other important artists are ] for the medieval ] that marked the artistic Renaixença, ] for the Romanticism and Catalan Orientalism of the nineteenth century, ] or ], main representatives of the pictorial current of Catalan modernism from the end of the nineteenth century to the beginning of the twentieth century, ] for early 20th-century ], or ] for expressionist or abstract sculpture and painting of the late twentieth century.


{{multiple image
Also commonly practiced are ] and ]; most important to the latter the ], ] and ].
| align = right
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| footer = Left: {{Lang|ca|]|italic=no}}, ]. Right: ] Museum, ]
}}
The most important painting museums of Catalonia are the ] in Figueres, the ] (MNAC), ], ], ], the ] (MACBA), the ] (CCCB), and the ].
] (])]]
In the field of architecture were developed and adapted to Catalonia different artistic styles prevalent in Europe, leaving footprints in many churches, monasteries and cathedrals, of ]<ref>Antoni Pladevall i Font: ''El Romànic català''. A ''El llibre d'or de l'art català''.</ref> (the best examples of which are located in the northern half of the territory) and ]s. The Gothic developed in Barcelona and its area of influence is known as ], with some particular characteristics. The church of ] is an example of this kind of style. During the Middle Ages, many fortified castles were built by feudal nobles to mark their powers.


There are some examples of ] (such as the Palau de la Generalitat), ] and ]s. In the late nineteenth century ] (]) appeared as the national art. The world-renowned Catalan architects of this style are ], ] and ]. Thanks to the urban expansion of Barcelona during the last decades of the century and the first ones of the next, many buildings of the ] are modernists. In the field of ], which turned especially relevant in Catalonia during the Republican era (1931–1939) highlighting ] and Josep Torres i Clavé, members of the ] and, in contemporany architecture, ] and ].
== Transportation in Catalonia==
===Airports===
*]
*]
*]
*]


===Commercial and passenger ports=== ==== Monuments and World Heritage Sites ====
], located at the foothills of the Pyrenees, in the province of Lleida]]
*
], Barcelona]]
*
*Port of ]


There are several ] ] in Catalonia:
===Roads===
There are 12,000 km of roads throughout Catalonia.


*Archaeological Ensemble of ], Tarragona
The principal highway is ] know also as ''Autopista del Mediterraneo''. It follows the coast from the French Border to ], located south of Tarragona. The main roads generally radiate from Barcelona. The A-2 and AP-2 connect inland and onward to Madrid.
*], Lleida province
*], ], Tarragona province
*Works of ]:
**], Barcelona
**], Barcelona
*]:
**], Barcelona
**], Barcelona
**], Barcelona
**] (La Pedrera), Barcelona
**], Barcelona
**], Barcelona
**The ], ], Barcelona province


=== Literature ===
Other major roads are:
{{Main|Literature of Catalonia}}
The oldest surviving literary use of the Catalan language is considered to be the religious text known as ], written either in late 11th or early 12th{{nbsp}}century.


There are two historical moments of splendor of Catalan literature. The first begins with the historiographic chronicles of the 13th{{nbsp}}century (chronicles written between the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries narrating the deeds of the monarchs and leading figures of the Crown of Aragon) and the subsequent Golden Age of the 14th and 15th{{nbsp}}centuries. After that period, between the 16th and 19th{{nbsp}}centuries the Romantic ] defined this era as the {{lang|ca|]}}, considered as the "decadent" period in Catalan literature because of a general falling into disuse of the vernacular language in cultural contexts and lack of patronage among the nobility.
*]
*]
*]
*]
*] or C-32
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]


] ]]
===Railways===
The second moment of splendor began in the 19th{{nbsp}}century with the cultural and political {{lang|ca|]}} (Renaissance) represented by writers and poets such as ], ] (pseudonym of ]), ], ] and ]. During the 20th{{nbsp}}century, avant-garde movements developed, initiated by the Generation of '14 (called ] in Catalonia), represented by ], ], ], ], ] and others. During the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera, the Civil War (]) and the Francoist period, Catalan literature was maintained despite the repression against the Catalan language, being often produced in exile.
Catalonia saw the first railway construction in Spain in 1848, linking ] with ]. Given the topography most lines radiate from ]. The city has both suburban and inter-city services. The main east coast line runs through the province connecting with French Railways at ] on the coast.


] ]]
The railroad companies operating in Catalonia are ] and ].
The most outstanding authors of this period are ], ], ] (who are considered mainly responsible for the renewal of Catalan prose), ], Joan Oliver Sallarès or "]", ], ], ], ] or ]. In addition, several foreign writers who fought in the ], or other military units, have since recounted their experiences of fighting in their works, historical or fictional, with for example, ], in '']'' (1938) or ]'s ''Le Palace'' (1962) and ''Les Géorgiques'' (1981).


After the transition to democracy (1975–1978) and the restoration of the Generalitat (1977), literary life and the editorial market have returned to normality and literary production in Catalan is being bolstered with a number of language policies intended to protect Catalan culture. Besides the aforementioned authors, other relevant 20th-century writers of the Francoist and democracy periods include ], ], ], ] or ].
High speed ] services from Madrid currently reach ] but construction is near completion into Barcelona (and the airport). Agreement has been reached to connect further to the French high speed network by building a new line and rail tunnel through the Pyrenees.


], ], ] and ] are among the most prominent Catalan writers in the Spanish language since the democratic restoration in Spain.
== Law and government of Catalonia ==
{{main|Generalitat de Catalunya}}
The Government of Catalonia is known as the ] in Catalan language. It consists of a Parliament, a President and an Executive Council. Local governments include ] (roughly equivalent to counties), as well as smaller forms of municipal administration. Catalonia is divided into four ]: ], ] (Gerona in Spanish), ] (Lérida in Spanish, Lhèida in Aranese), and ].]


=== Festivals and public holidays ===
===Catalan self-government===
{{Main|Traditions of Catalonia}}
After ]'s death in ] and the adoption of ] in ], Catalonia recovered, and extended, the powers granted in the statute of autonomy of ]<ref></ref> it had lost with the fall of the ]<ref></ref> at the end of the ] in 1939 .
]
])]]
]s are one of the main manifestations of Catalan popular culture. The activity consists in constructing human towers by competing {{lang|ca|colles castelleres}} (teams). This practice originated in ], on the region of the Camp de Tarragona,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tarragona, City of Human Towers – Tarragona Turisme|url=https://www.tarragonaturisme.cat/en/tarragona-city-human-towers|access-date=2023-03-29|website=www.tarragonaturisme.cat|archive-date=29 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329184858/https://www.tarragonaturisme.cat/en/tarragona-city-human-towers|url-status=live}}</ref> during the 18th century, and later it was extended to the rest of the territory, especially in the late 20th century. The tradition of ] was declared Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by ] in 2010.


In main celebrations, other elements of the Catalan popular culture<ref>-Joan Prat i Jesús Contreras. Conèixer Catalunya. Les Festes Populars. Editorial Dopesa 2. 1979. 159 pp. Idioma català. {{ISBN|84-7235-438-5}}.</ref> are also usually present: parades with {{lang|ca|]}} (giants), bigheads, stick-dancers and musicians, and the {{lang|ca|]}}, where devils and monsters dance and spray showers of sparks using firecrackers. Another traditional celebration in Catalonia is {{lang|ca|]}}, declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by the ] on 25 November 2005.<ref>. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227050231/http://www.bergueda.com/lapatum/festa.asp|date=27 February 2009}}</ref>
The historical region has gradually achieved a greater degree of autonomy since 1979. The Generalitat holds exclusive jurisdiction in various matters including culture, environment, communications, transportation, commerce, public safety and local governments while it shares jurisdiction with the Spanish government in education, health and justice.<ref></ref> Catalonia has its own ], the ], which is currently in process of taking over most of the role within Catalonia of Spanish nationwide police forces ] and ], who are to remain responsible only for fighting terrorism, borders and immigration matters. Most of the justice system is administered by national judicial institutions. The legal system is uniform throughout Spain, with the exception of so-called "]", which is administered separately within Catalonia.<ref></ref>
]}} during the festa major of ] ]]


] in Catalonia lasts two days, plus ]. On the 25th, Christmas is celebrated, followed by a similar feast on the 26, called Sant Esteve (Saint Steve's Day). This allows families to visit and dine with different sectors of the extended family or get together with friends on the second day.
After ] and the ], Catalonia is the Spanish region with the highest degree of Autonomy.


One of the most deeply rooted and curious ] is the popular figure of the {{lang|ca|]}}, consisting of an (often hollow) log with a face painted on it and often two little front legs appended, usually wearing a Catalan hat and scarf. The word has nothing to do with the Spanish word ''tío'', meaning uncle. ''Tió'' means log in Catalan. The log is sometimes "found in the woods" (in an event staged for children) and then adopted and taken home, where it is fed and cared for during a month or so. On ] or on ], a game is played where children march around the house singing a song requesting the log to poop, then they hit the log with a stick, to make it poop, and lo and behold, as if through magic, it poops candy, and sometimes other small gifts. Usually, the larger or main gifts are brought by the Three Kings on 6 January, and the tió only brings small things.
==Politics of Catalonia==
]
{{main|Politics of Catalonia}}
].]]


Another custom is to make a {{lang|ca|pessebre}} (nativity scene) in the home or in shop windows, the latter sometimes competing in originality or sheer size and detail. Churches often host exhibits of numerous dioramas by nativity scene makers, or a single nativity scene they put out, and town halls generally put out a nativity scene in the central square. In Barcelona, every year, the main nativity scene is designed by different artists, and often ends up being an interesting, post-modern or conceptual and strange creation. In the home, the nativity scene often consists of strips of cork bark to represent cliffs or mountains in the background, moss as grass in the foreground, some wood chips or other as dirt, and aluminum foil for rivers and lakes. The traditional figurines often included are the three wise men on camels or horses, which are moved every day or so to go closer to the manger, a star with a long tail in the background to lead people to the spot, the annunciation with shepherds having a meal and an angel appearing (hanging from something), a washer lady washing clothes in the pond, sheep, ducks, people carrying packages on their backs, a donkey driver with a load of twigs, and atrezzo such as a starry sky, miniature towns placed in the distance, either Oriental-styled or local-looking, a bridge over the river, trees, etc.
The institutional normative law of Catalonia is the ]. It establishes that Catalonia is organized politically through the '']'', conformed by the Parliament, the Presidency of the Generalitat, the Government or Executive Council and the other institutions created by the Parliament.


One of the most astonishing and sui-generis figurines traditionally placed in the nativity scene, to the great glee of children, is the {{lang|ca|]}}, a person depicted in the act of defecating.<ref name="BBC News">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12059969|title=A traditional Nativity scene, Catalan-style|work=BBC News|date=23 December 2010|access-date=23 December 2010|archive-date=12 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212182619/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12059969|url-status=live}}</ref> This figurine is hidden in some corner of the nativity scene and the game is to detect it. Of course, churches forgo this figurine, and the main nativity scene of Barcelona, for instance, likewise does not feature it. The caganer is so popular it has, together with the tió, long been a major part of the Christmas markets, where they come in the guise of your favorite politicians or other famous people, as well as the traditional figures of a Catalan farmer. People often buy a figurine of a caganer in the guise of a famous person they are actually fond of, contrary to what one would imagine, though sometimes people buy a caganer in the guise of someone they dislike, although this means they have to look at them in the home.
The seat of the Executive Council is the city of ]. Since the restoration of the Generalitat through the return of democracy in Spain, the presidents of Catalonia have been ] (]-]), ] (]-]) and incumbent ].


Another (extended) Christmas tradition is the celebration of the Epiphany on 6 January, which is called ''Reis'', meaning Three Kings Day. This is every important in Catalonia and the Catalan-speaking areas, and families go to watch major parades on the eve of the Epiphany, where they can greet the kings and watch them pass by in pomp and circumstance, on floats and preceded and followed by pages, musicians, dancers, etc. They often give the kings letters with their gift requests, which are collected by the pages. On the next day, the children find the gifts the three kings brought for them.
Catalonia has its own police force, the '']'', whose origins trace back to the eighteenth century. Since ] they are under the commandment of the Generalitat, and since ] it is expanding in order to replace the Spain-wide '']'' and '']'', which report directly to the Homeland Department of Spain. These corps are to retain a limited number of agents within Catalonia to exercise specific functions such as overseeing ports, airports, coasts, international borders, custom offices, identification documents, control of armament amongst others.


In addition to traditional local Catalan culture, traditions from other parts of Spain can be found as a result of migration from other regions, for instance the celebration of the Andalusian {{lang|es|]}} in Catalonia.
===Parties===
* ] &mdash; Convergència i Unió (Convergence and Unity) - federation
** ] &mdash; Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya (Democratic Convergence of Catalonia)
** ] &mdash; Unió Democràtica de Catalunya (Democratic Union of Catalonia)
* ]-] &mdash; Partit dels Socialistes de Catalunya-Partido Socialista Obrero Español (Socialist Party of Catalonia-Spanish Socialist Workers' Party)
* ] &mdash; Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (Republican Left of Catalonia)
* ]-] &mdash; Iniciativa per Catalunya-Verds &ndash; Esquerra Unida i Alternativa (Initiative for Catalonia-Greens &ndash; United and Alternative Left)
* ] &mdash; Partit Popular (People's Party)
* ] &mdash; Partido de la Ciudadanía


On 28 July 2010, second only after the ], ]. The ban, which went into effect on 1 January 2012, had originated in a popular petition supported by over 180,000 signatures.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Tremlett|first1=Giles|title=Catalonia votes to ban bullfighting|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jul/28/bullfighting-ban-spain-catalonia|access-date=11 October 2017|work=]|date=28 July 2010|archive-date=12 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012045159/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jul/28/bullfighting-ban-spain-catalonia|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Environmental policy==
Awareness of environmental problems tends to be much lower in Catalonia (and in Spain as a whole) than in northern Europe. Carbon dioxide emissions in Catalonia have increased by 40% since 1992,{{Fact|date=April 2007}} and 60% of the region's electricity comes from aging nuclear power stations{{Fact|date=April 2007}} (a figure only exceeded in Europe by France and ]). Despite Catalonia's change of government in 2004 from the long time ruling conservative/nationalist CiU to a "liberal/green" tripartite coalition of PSC, ERC, and ICV parties, there is little evidence of greater concern for the environment. ] was put in charge of the Department of Environment, but has largely continued the outgoing administration's policies. The Department's decision to build the controversial Bracons tunnel through an area of outstanding natural beauty, and a plan to situate an incinerator burning 90,000 metric tonnes of industrial waste<ref></ref> in a heavily-populated valley are two of the mentioned issues.


=== Music and dance ===
==UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Catalonia==
{{Main|Music of Catalonia}}
There are several ] ] in Catalonia:
]]]


The ] is considered to be the most characteristic Catalan folk dance, interpreted to the rhythm of ], ] and ] (from the oboe family), ], trombó (]), fiscorn (family of bugles) and contrabaix with three strings played by a ], and are danced in a circle dance. Other tunes and dances of the traditional music are the contrapàs (obsolete today), ] (the "dance of sticks"), the moixiganga, the goigs (popular songs), the ]s or the ] in the southern part. The {{lang|ca|]}} are characteristic in some marine localities of the Costa Brava, especially during the summer months when these songs are sung outdoors accompanied by a {{lang|ca|cremat}} of burned rum.
*Archaeological Ensemble of Tarraco, ]
*Catalan ] Churches at ]
*], Poblet, Tarragona province
*] and ], ]
*Works of ]:
**], ]
**], ]
**], ]
**], ]


Art music was first developed, up to the nineteenth century and, as in much of Europe, in a liturgical setting, particularly marked by the Escolania de Montserrat. The main Western musical trends have marked these productions, medieval monodies or polyphonies, with the work of ] in the eleventh century or the compilation ] ("Red Book of Montserrat") from the fourteenth century. Through the Renaissance there were authors such as ], ] or the two ] ("The Old" and "The Young"). Baroque had composers like ]. The Romantic music was represented by composers such as ], ] (father of choir movement in Catalonia and responsible of the music folk reviving) or ].
==See also==


Modernisme also expressed in musical terms from the end of the 19th century onwards, mixing folkloric and post-romantic influences, through the works of ] and ]. The avant-garde spirit initiated by the modernists is prolonged throughout the twentieth century, thanks to the activities of the ], a choral society founded in 1891, with its monumental concert hall, the ] in Catalan, built by Lluís Domènech i Montaner from 1905 to 1908, the ] created in 1944 and composers, conductors and musicians engaged against the Francoism like ], ] and ].
]


Performances of ], mostly imported from Italy, began in the 18th century, but some native operas were written as well, including the ones by ], ], ], Isaac Albéniz and Enric Granados. The Barcelona main opera house, ] (opened in 1847), remains one of the most important in Spain, hosting one of the most prestigious music schools in Barcelona, the ]. Several lyrical artists trained by this institution gained international renown during the 20th century, such as ], ], ] and ].
{{Commons|Catalonia}}
* ]
* {{wikitravel}}
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]


Cellist ] is admired as an outstanding player. Other popular musical styles were born in the second half of the 20th century such as ] from the 1960s with ] and the group ], the ] in the 1960s with ], ] from the late 1970s with ] and ] for Punk Rock, ], ], ] or ] for ] or ] for hard rock, electropop since the 1990s with ] and ] from the 1990s.
==References==
<div class="references-small">
<references />
{{1911}}
</div>


=== Media and cinema ===
==External links==
{{Main|Cinema of Catalonia}}
*
]
*
Catalonia is the autonomous community, along with Madrid, that has the most media (TV, magazines, newspapers etc.). In Catalonia there is a wide variety of local and comarcal media. With the restoration of democracy, many newspapers and magazines, until then in the hands of the Franco government, were recovered in order to convert them into free and democratic media, while local radio and television began broadcasting.
*
*
*
*


], which broadcasts entirely in the Catalan language, is the main Catalan public network. It has five channels: ], ], ], ], ] and ]. In 2018, TV3 became the first television channel to be the most viewed for nine consecutive years in Catalonia.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ccma.cat/tv3/any-de-records-a-tv3-lider-daudiencia-per-nove-any-consecutiu-i-millor-resultat-dels-ultims-6-anys/noticia/2895171/|title=TV3 lidera l'audiència per 9è any consecutiu i té el millor resultat dels últims 6 anys|date=1 January 2019|work=CCMA|access-date=1 January 2019|language=ca|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102002110/https://www.ccma.cat/tv3/any-de-records-a-tv3-lider-daudiencia-per-nove-any-consecutiu-i-millor-resultat-dels-ultims-6-anys/noticia/2895171/|archive-date=2 January 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ara.cat/media/TV3-estableix-nou-liderat-consecutius_0_2153784649.html|title=TV3 estableix un nou rècord: nou anys de liderat consecutius|last=Gutiérrez|first=Àlex|date=31 December 2018|work=Diari Ara|access-date=1 January 2019|language=ca|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101002826/https://www.ara.cat/media/TV3-estableix-nou-liderat-consecutius_0_2153784649.html|archive-date=1 January 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> State television that broadcasts in Catalonia in the Spanish language include {{Lang|es|]|italic=no}} (with few emissions in Catalan), ], ], ], and ]. Other smaller Catalan television channels include local television channels, notably ], owned by the ], and broadcast in Catalan.
* Chronology of Catalan architecture and biographies of Catalan architects, from the Gothic master builders to contemporary architecture.


The two main Catalan newspapers of general information are '']'' and '']'', both with editions in Catalan and Spanish. Catalan only published newspapers include '']'' and '']'' (from the fusion of '']'' and '']'' in 2011), as well as most part of the local press. The Spanish newspapers, such as '']'', '']'' or '']'', can be also acquired.
*: Encyclopedia with information about Catalonia in English
*
*
*: daily news in English from the Catalan capital
* - Catalan newspaper in English
*. 1946 book by Oxford Professor Dr. ]
*: Online resource in English offering information about Catalan cuisine and culinary culture.


Catalonia has a long tradition of use of radio, the first regular radio broadcast in the country was from Ràdio Barcelona in 1924.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1974/04/24/049.html|title=ABC (Madrid) – 24/04/1974, p. 49 – ABC.es Hemeroteca |access-date=22 October 2018|website=hemeroteca.abc.es|language=es|archive-date=30 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630025203/http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1974/04/24/049.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Today, the public ] (owned by ]) and the private ] (belonging to Grup Godó) are the two main radio stations of Catalonia, both in Catalan.
{{Comarques of Catalonia}}

] of 2009]]
Regarding the cinema, after the democratic transition, three styles have dominated since then. First, auteur cinema, in the continuity of the ], emphasizes experimentation and form, while focusing on developing social and political themes. Worn first by ] or ], then by ], ] and ], this genre has achieved some international recognition. Then, the ] became another genre particularly representative of contemporary Catalan cinema, boosted by ] and ]. Later, horror films and thrillers have also emerged as a specialty of the Catalan film industry, thanks in particular to the vitality of the ], created in 1968. Several directors have gained worldwide renown thanks to this genre, starting with Jaume Balagueró and his series '']'' (co-directed with Valencian Paco Plaza), ] and '']'' or ] with '']'', '']'' and '']''.

Catalan actors have shot for Spanish and international productions, such as ].

The ] (Museu del Cinema – Col.lecció Tomàs Mallol in Catalan) of Girona is home of important permanent exhibitions of cinema and pre-cinema objects. Other important institutions for the promotion of cinema are the ] (Premis Gaudí in Catalan, which replaced from 2009 Barcelona Film Awards themselves created in 2002), serving as equivalent for Catalonia to the Spanish ] or French ].

=== Philosophy ===
{{See also|Seny}}
{{lang|ca|Seny}} is a form of ancestral Catalan wisdom or sensibleness. It involves well-pondered perception of situations, level-headedness, awareness, integrity, and right action. Many Catalans consider seny something unique to their culture, is based on a set of ancestral local customs stemming from the scale of values and social norms of their society.

=== Sport ===
{{Main|Sport in Catalonia}}
Sport has had a distinct importance in Catalan life and culture since the beginning of the 20th century; consequently, the region has a well-developed sports infrastructure. The main sports are ], ], ], ], ] and ].

Despite the fact that the most popular sports are represented at international level by the Spanish national teams, Catalonia plays as itself in some others, such as ], ] or ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.seleccions.cat/index.php/seleccions-reconegudes/esports-reconeguts|title=Esports reconeguts|website=www.seleccions.cat|access-date=13 September 2016|archive-date=4 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104200454/http://seleccions.cat/index.php/seleccions-reconegudes/esports-reconeguts|url-status=live}}</ref> Various Catalan Sports Federations have a long tradition and some of them participated in the foundation of international sports federations, as the Catalan Federation of Rugby, that was one of the founder members of the ] (FIRA) in 1934.<ref name="fira-aer-rugby.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/article_detail.php?article=33|title=FIRA-AER website – History|access-date=19 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216142416/http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/article_detail.php?article=33|archive-date=16 February 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> The majority of Catalan sport federations are part of the ] (Catalan: {{lang|ca|Unió de Federacions Esportives de Catalunya}}), founded in 1933. The presence of Catalan. The presence of separate Catalan teams has caused disputes with Spanish sports institutions, as happened to ] in the ] (2004).<ref>{{cite web |last1=(TAS) |first1=Tribunal Arbitrale du Sport |title=SENTENCE ARBITRALE rendue par le TRIBUNAL ARBITRAL DU SPORT |url=http://www.tas-cas.org/fr/pdf/catalans.PDF |website=www.tas-cas.org |access-date=10 September 2024 |archive-date=19 October 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051019233616/http://www.tas-cas.org/fr/pdf/catalans.PDF |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The ] also periodically fields a ] against international opposition, organizing friendly matches. In the recent years they have played with Bulgaria, Argentina, Brazil, Basque Country, Colombia, Nigeria, Cape Verde and Tunisia. The biggest football clubs are ] (also known as ''Barça''), who have won five European Cups (]), and ], who have twice been runner-up of the ] (now UEFA Europa League). As of December 2024, Barça, Espanyol and ] play in the top Spanish League (]).

The Catalan ] is one of the main powers of the Iberian Peninsula. The Catalans won triumphs in waterpolo competitions at European and world level by club (the Barcelona was champion of Europe in 1981/82 and the Catalonia in 1994/95) and national team (one gold and one silver in Olympic Games and World Championships). It also has many international ] champions.

Motorsport has a long tradition in Catalonia, which involving many people, with some world champions and several competitions organized since the beginning of the 20th century. The ], built in 1991, is one of the main motorsport venues, holding the Catalan motorcycle Grand Prix, the Spanish F1 Grand Prix, a DTM race, and several other races.

Catalonia hosted many relevant international sport events, such as the ] in Barcelona, as well as the ], the ] or the ]. It held annually the fourth-oldest still-existing ] in the world, the ] (Tour of Catalonia).<ref>{{cite web|title=100 Anys d'Historia|url=http://www.voltacatalunya.cat/ca/història/|website=voltacatalunya.cat|access-date=10 December 2015|language=ca|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525185019/http://www.voltacatalunya.cat/ca/hist%C3%B2ria/|archive-date=25 May 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<gallery mode="packed" widths="180px" heights="180px">

BCN-EstadiOlimpic-4860.jpg|] of ], Barcelona. At the centre, the ]
Camp Nou - Interior (2005).jpg|], home of ]
F1 Circuit de Catalunya - Tribuna.jpg|]
Pep Guardiola 2.1.jpg|], one of the most successful football managers of all time, pictured while managing ]
</gallery>

=== Symbols ===
{{Main|National symbols of Catalonia}}
]]]

Catalonia has its own representative and distinctive national symbols such as:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gencat.net/generalitat/eng/estatut/titol_preliminar.htm#a8|title=Statute of Catalonia (Article 8)|publisher=Gencat.net|access-date=25 April 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113100832/http://www.gencat.net/generalitat/eng/estatut/titol_preliminar.htm#a8|archive-date=13 January 2009}}</ref>

*The flag of Catalonia, called the {{lang|ca|]}}, is a ] based on the heraldic emblem of ] and the ] of the Crown of Aragon, which consists of four red stripes on a golden background. It has been an official symbol since the Statute of Catalonia of 1932.
*The ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noticias.juridicas.com/base_datos/CCAA/ca-l1-1980.html|title=Law 1/1980 where the Parlamient of Catalonia declares that 11th of September is the National Day of Catalonia |publisher=Noticias.juridicas.com|access-date=25 April 2010|archive-date=9 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609013847/http://noticias.juridicas.com/base_datos/CCAA/ca-l1-1980.html|url-status=live}}</ref> is on 11 September, and it is commonly called {{lang|ca|la Diada}}. It commemorates the 1714 ] defeat during the ].
*The national anthem of Catalonia is {{lang|ca|]}} and was written in its present form by Emili Guanyavents in 1899. The song is official by law from 25 February 1993.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noticias.juridicas.com/base_datos/CCAA/ca-l1-1993.html|title=Law 1/1993 National Anthem of Catalonia |publisher=Noticias.juridicas.com|access-date=25 April 2010|archive-date=9 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609014232/http://noticias.juridicas.com/base_datos/CCAA/ca-l1-1993.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926005145/http://search.boe.es/datos/imagenes/BOE/1993/074/A09308.tif|date=26 September 2007}}</ref> It is based on the events of 1639 and 1640 during the ].
*] ({{lang|ca|Diada de Sant Jordi}}) is widely celebrated in all the towns of Catalonia on 23 April, and includes an exchange of books and roses between couples or family members.

=== Cuisine ===
{{Main|Catalan cuisine}}
]}} (bread with tomato)]]

Catalan gastronomy has a long culinary tradition. Various local food recipes have been described in documents dating from the fifteenth century. As with all the cuisines of the Mediterranean, Catatonian dishes make abundant use of ], seafood, ], ] and ]. Regional specialties include the {{lang|ca|]}} (bread with tomato), which consists of bread (sometimes toasted), and ] seasoned with olive oil and salt. Often the dish is accompanied with any number of sausages (cured ], ], iberic ham, etc.), ham or cheeses. Others dishes include the {{lang|ca|]}}, {{lang|ca|]}}, {{lang|ca|suquet de peix}} (fish stew), and a ], ].

Catalan vineyards also have several {{lang|ca|]}} wines, such as: ], ], ] and ]. There is also a sparkling wine, the ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cava-and-co.com/|title=Cava & Co !|date=24 October 2011|website=Cava & Co !|access-date=24 July 2021|archive-date=24 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724170448/https://cava-and-co.com/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Catalonia is internationally recognized for its fine dining. Three of ] are in Catalonia,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2009-04-21/news/27654601_1_chef-restaurant-magazine-signature-dishes|title=Spain's El Bulli named best restaurant in world|date=21 April 2009|work=]|location=India|access-date=30 April 2012|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208131151/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2009-04-21/news/27654601_1_chef-restaurant-magazine-signature-dishes|url-status=dead}}</ref> and four restaurants have three ] stars, including restaurants like ] or ], both of which regularly dominate international rankings of restaurants.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716172102/http://www.marianne.net/Meilleur-restaurant-du-monde-grand-prix-de-la-tourista-internationale_a228545.html|date=16 July 2014}}, ], marianne.net, 30 avpil 2013</ref> The region has been awarded the ] title for the year 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.europeanregionofgastronomy.org/platform/catalonia-2016/|title=Catalonia 2016 |author=<!--Not stated-->|website=europeanregionofgastronomy.org|publisher=International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism|access-date=10 June 2021|quote=|archive-date=10 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610133552/https://www.europeanregionofgastronomy.org/platform/catalonia-2016/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Twinning and covenants ==
*]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.info7.com.mx/a/noticia/56275|title=Firman acuerdo de colaboración gobierno de NL y Cataluña, España &#124; Info7 &#124; Nuevo León|publisher=Info7|access-date=13 September 2013|archive-date=8 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408182625/http://www.info7.com.mx/a/noticia/56275|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://info7.mx/a/noticia/56329|title=Firman NL y Cataluña intercambio estratégico &#124; Info7 &#124; Nuevo León|publisher=Info7.mx|access-date=13 September 2013|archive-date=22 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022033111/http://info7.mx/a/noticia/56329|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=José Lebeña Acebo|url=http://www.publimetro.com.mx/noticias/video-nuevo-leon-y-cataluna-tierras-hermanas/mler!BroAapUDlwndo/|title=VIDEO: Nuevo León y Cataluña, ¿tierras hermanas? – Publimetro|publisher=Publimetro.com.mx|access-date=13 September 2013|archive-date=26 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026093843/http://www.publimetro.com.mx/noticias/video-nuevo-leon-y-cataluna-tierras-hermanas/mler!BroAapUDlwndo/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|California}} ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://soir.senate.ca.gov/scr71|title=Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 71 {{!}} Senate Office of International Relations|website=soir.senate.ca.gov|access-date=13 September 2016|archive-date=17 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017145954/http://soir.senate.ca.gov/scr71|url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|Quebec}} ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mrif.gouv.qc.ca/en/relations-du-quebec/europe/espagne/catalogne#introduction|title=Catalonia|website=MRIF – Ministère des Relations internationales et de la Francophonie|access-date=21 September 2018|archive-date=21 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921153231/http://www.mrif.gouv.qc.ca/en/relations-du-quebec/europe/espagne/catalogne#introduction|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Spain|European Union}}
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== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{EB1911|wstitle=Catalonia}}

== External links ==
{{Sister project links|voy=Catalonia}}
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{{Catalonia topics}}
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{{Catalan elections}}
{{Catalan nationalism}}
{{Administrative divisions of Spain}} {{Administrative divisions of Spain}}
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Latest revision as of 05:59, 21 December 2024

Autonomous community and nationality in Spain This article is about the Spanish autonomous community. For the historic political entity, see Principality of Catalonia. For other uses, see Catalonia (disambiguation) and Catalunya (disambiguation). Not to be confused with Cataonia or Catatonia.

Autonomous community in Spain
Catalonia Native names:
Autonomous community
Flag of Catalonia (Senyera)FlagSeal of the Generalitat de CatalunyaCoat of arms
Anthem: Els Segadors (Catalan)
("The Reapers")
Location of Catalonia (red) in SpainCatalonia (dark green) in Spain and EuropeMap of Spain with Catalonia highlighted
Coordinates: 41°51′N 1°34′E / 41.850°N 1.567°E / 41.850; 1.567
Country Spain
Formation801 (County of Barcelona)
1137 (Dynastic union with Aragon)
1173 (Legal definition
of Catalonia)
1516 (Dynastic union with Castile under Charles I)
1716 (Nueva Planta)
Statute(s) of Autonomy1932 (First Statute)
1979 (Second Statute)
2006 (Third Statute – in force)
Capital
(and largest city)		Barcelona
Province(s)
Government
 • TypeDevolved government in a constitutional monarchy
 • BodyGeneralitat of Catalonia
 • PresidentSalvador Illa (PSC)
LegislatureParliament of Catalonia
General representationParliament of Spain
Congress seats48 of 350 (13.7%)
Senate seats24 of 265 (9.1%)
Area
 • Total32,113.86 km (12,399.23 sq mi)
 • Rank6th
 6.3% of Spain
Population
 • Estimate Neutral increase 8,067,454
 • Rank2nd
DemonymsCatalan or Catalonian
 • català, -ana (ca)
 • catalan, -a (oc)
 • catalán, -ana (es)
Official language(s)
GDP
 • Rank2nd
 • Total (2022)€255.154 billion
 • Per capita€32,550 (4th)
HDI
 • HDI (2021)0.916 (very high · 4th)
Time zoneCET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST)CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code prefixes
  • 08XXX (B)
  • 17XXX (GI)
  • 25XXX (L)
  • 43XXX (T)
ISO 3166 codeES-CT
Telephone code(s)+34 93 (Barcelona area)
+34 97 (rest of Catalonia)
CurrencyEuro (€)
Official holidaySeptember 11
Patron saint(s)Saint George
Virgin of Montserrat
Websitegencat.cat

Catalonia (/ˌkætəˈloʊniə/; Catalan: Catalunya [kətəˈluɲə] ; Spanish: Cataluña [kataˈluɲa] ; Occitan: Catalonha [kataˈluɲa]) is an autonomous community of Spain, designated as a nationality by its Statute of Autonomy. Most of its territory (except the Val d'Aran) is situated on the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, to the south of the Pyrenees mountain range. Catalonia is administratively divided into four provinces or eight vegueries (regions), which are in turn divided into 42 comarques. The capital and largest city, Barcelona, is the second-most populous municipality in Spain and the fifth-most populous urban area in the European Union.

Modern-day Catalonia comprises most of the medieval and early modern Principality of Catalonia (with the remainder northern area now part of France's Pyrénées-Orientales). It is bordered by France (Occitanie) and Andorra to the north, the Mediterranean Sea to the east, and the Spanish autonomous communities of Aragon to the west and Valencia to the south. In addition to about 580 km of coastline, Catalonia also has major high landforms such as the Pyrenees and the Pre-Pyrenees, the Transversal Range (Serralada Transversal) or the Central Depression. The official languages are Catalan, Spanish and the Aranese dialect of Occitan.

In the late 8th century, various counties across the eastern Pyrenees were established by the Frankish kingdom as a defensive barrier against Muslim invasions. In the 10th century, the County of Barcelona became progressively independent. In 1137, Barcelona and the Kingdom of Aragon were united by marriage, resulting in a composite monarchy known as the Crown of Aragon. Within the Crown, the Catalan counties merged in to a polity, the Principality of Catalonia, developing its own institutional system, such as Catalan Courts, Generalitat and constitutions, becoming the base and promoter for the Crown's Mediterranean trade and expansionism. In the later Middle Ages, Catalan literature flourished. In 1469, the monarchs of the crowns of Aragon and Castile were married and ruled their realms together, retaining all of their distinct institutions and legislation.

During the Franco-Spanish War (1635–1659), the Principality of Catalonia revolted (1640–1652) against a burdensome presence of the royal army, being briefly established as a republic under French protection. By the Treaty of the Pyrenees (1659), the northern parts of Catalonia, mostly the Roussillon, were ceded to France. During the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714), the Crown of Aragon sided against the Bourbon Philip V of Spain, but after the Peace of Utrecht (1713) the Catalans were defeated with the capitulation of Barcelona on 11 September 1714. Philip V subsequently imposed a unifying administration across Spain, enacting the Nueva Planta decrees which, like in the other realms of the Crown of Aragon, suppressed Catalan institutions and legislation. As a consequence, Catalan as a language of government and literature was eclipsed by Spanish.

In the 19th century, Catalonia was severely affected by the Napoleonic and Carlist Wars. In the second third of the century, it experienced industrialisation. As wealth from the industrial expansion grew, it saw a cultural renaissance coupled with incipient nationalism while several workers' movements appeared. The establishment of the Second Spanish Republic (1931–1939) granted self-governance to Catalonia, being restored the Generalitat as the autonomous government. After the Spanish Civil War, the Francoist dictatorship enacted repressive measures, abolishing Catalan self-government and banning the official use of the Catalan language. After a period of autarky, from the late 1950s through to the 1970s Catalonia saw rapid economic growth, drawing many workers from across Spain, making Barcelona one of Europe's largest industrial metropolitan areas and turning Catalonia into a major tourist destination. During the Spanish transition to democracy (1975–1982), the Generalitat was reestablished and Catalonia regained self-government, remaining one of the most economically dynamic communities in Spain.

In the 2010s, there was growing support for Catalan independence. On 27 October 2017, the Catalan Parliament unilaterally declared independence following a referendum that was deemed unconstitutional by the Spanish state. The Spanish Senate voted in favour of enforcing direct rule by removing the Catalan government and calling a snap regional election. The Spanish Supreme Court imprisoned seven former ministers of the Catalan government on charges of rebellion and misuse of public funds, while several others—including then-President Carles Puigdemont—fled to other European countries. Those in prison were pardoned by the Spanish government in 2021.

Etymology and pronunciation

The name "Catalonia" (Medieval Latin: Cathalaunia), spelled Cathalonia, began to be used for the homeland of the Catalans (Cathalanenses) in the late 11th century and was probably used before as a territorial reference to the group of counties that comprised part of the March of Gothia and the March of Hispania under the control of the Count of Barcelona and his relatives. The origin of the name Catalunya is subject to diverse interpretations because of a lack of evidence.

One theory suggests that Catalunya derives from the name Gothia (or Gauthia) Launia ("Land of the Goths"), since the origins of the Catalan counts, lords and people were found in the March of Gothia, known as Gothia, whence Gothland > Gothlandia > Gothalania > Cathalaunia > Catalonia theoretically derived. During the Middle Ages, Byzantine chroniclers claimed that Catalania derives from the local medley of Goths with Alans, initially constituting a Goth-Alania.

Other theories suggest:

  • Catalunya derives from the term "land of castles", having evolved from the term castlà or castlan, the medieval term for a castellan (a ruler of a castle). This theory therefore suggests that the names Catalunya and Castile have a common root.
  • The source is the Celtic catalauni, meaning "chiefs of battle", similar to the Celtic given name *Katuwalos; although the area is not known to have been occupied by the Celtiberians, a Celtic culture was present within the interior of the Iberian Peninsula in pre-Roman times.
  • The Lacetani, an Iberian tribe that lived in the area and whose name, due to the Roman influence, could have evolved by metathesis to Katelans and then Catalans.
  • Miguel Vidal, finding serious shortcomings with earlier proposals (such as that an original -t- would have, by normal sound laws in the local Romance languages, developed into -d-), suggested an Arabic etymology: qattāl (‏قتال‎, pl. qattālūn قتالون) – meaning "killer" – could have been applied by Muslims to groups of raiders and bandits on the southern border of the Marca Hispanica. The name, originally derogatory, could have been reappropriated by Christians as an autonym. This is comparable to attested development of the term Almogavar in nearby areas. In this model, the name Catalunya derives from the plural qattālūn while the adjective and language name català derives from the singular qattāl, both with the addition of common Romance suffixes.

In English, Catalonia is pronounced /kætəˈloʊniə/. The native name, Catalunya, is pronounced [kətəˈluɲə] in Central Catalan, the most widely spoken variety, and [kataˈluɲa] in North-Western Catalan. The Spanish name is Cataluña ([kataˈluɲa]), and the Aranese name is Catalonha ([kataˈluɲa]).

History

Main article: History of Catalonia For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Catalan history.

Prehistory

The Roca dels Moros contains paintings protected as part of the Rock art of the Iberian Mediterranean Basin, a World Heritage Site.

The first known human settlements in what is now Catalonia were at the beginning of the Middle Paleolithic. The oldest known trace of human occupation is a mandible found in Banyoles, described by some sources as pre-Neanderthal, that is, some 200,000 years old; other sources suggest it to be only about one third that old. From the next prehistoric era, the Epipalaeolithic or Mesolithic, important remains survive, the greater part dated between 8000 and 5000 BC, such as those of Sant Gregori (Falset) and el Filador (Margalef de Montsant). The most important sites from these eras, all excavated in the region of Moianès, are the Balma del Gai (Epipaleolithic) and the Balma de l'Espluga (late Epipaleolithic and Early Neolithic).

The Neolithic era began in Catalonia around 5000 BC, although the population was slower to develop fixed settlements than in other places, thanks to the abundance of woods, which allowed the continuation of a fundamentally hunter-gatherer culture. An example of such settlements would be La Draga at Banyoles, an "early Neolithic village which dates from the end of the 6th millennium BC."

The Chalcolithic period developed in Catalonia between 2500 and 1800 BC, with the beginning of the construction of copper objects. The Bronze Age occurred between 1800 and 700 BC. There are few remnants of this era, but there were some known settlements in the low Segre zone. The Bronze Age coincided with the arrival of the Indo-Europeans through the Urnfield Culture, whose successive waves of migration began around 1200 BC, and they were responsible for the creation of the first proto-urban settlements. Around the middle of the 7th century BC, the Iron Age arrived in Catalonia.

Pre-Roman and Roman period

Aqüeducte de les Ferreres, Roman aqueduct in Tarragona

In pre-Roman times, the area that is now called Catalonia in the north-east of Iberian Peninsula – like the rest of the Mediterranean side of the peninsula – was populated by the Iberians. The Iberians of this area – the Ilergetes, Indigetes and Lacetani (Cerretains) – also maintained relations with the peoples of the Mediterranean. Some urban agglomerations became relevant, including Ilerda (Lleida) inland, Hibera (perhaps Amposta or Tortosa) or Indika (Ullastret). Coastal trading colonies were established by the ancient Greeks, who settled around the Gulf of Roses, in Emporion (Empúries) and Roses in the 8th century BC. The Carthaginians briefly ruled the territory in the course of the Second Punic War and traded with the surrounding Iberian population.

After the Carthaginian defeat by the Roman Republic, the north-east of Iberia became the first to come under Roman rule and became part of Hispania, the westernmost part of the Roman Empire. Tarraco (modern Tarragona) was one of the most important Roman cities in Hispania and the capital of the province of Tarraconensis. Other important cities of the Roman period are Ilerda (Lleida), Dertosa (Tortosa), Gerunda (Girona) as well as the ports of Empuriæ (former Emporion) and Barcino (Barcelona). As for the rest of Hispania, Latin law was granted to all cities under the reign of Vespasian (69–79 AD), while Roman citizenship was granted to all free men of the empire by the Edict of Caracalla in 212 AD (Tarraco, the capital, was already a colony of Roman law since 45 BC). It was a rich agricultural province (olive oil, wine, wheat), and the first centuries of the Empire saw the construction of roads (the most important being the Via Augusta, parallel to Mediterranean coastline) and infrastructure like aqueducts.

Conversion to Christianity, attested in the 3rd century, was completed in urban areas in the 4th century. Although Hispania remained under Roman rule and did not fall under the rule of Vandals, Suebi and Alans in the 5th century, the main cities suffered frequent sacking and some deurbanization.

Middle Ages

Origins of the blason of the County of Barcelona, by Claudi Lorenzale

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the area was conquered by the Visigoths and was ruled as part of the Visigothic Kingdom for almost two and a half centuries. In 718, it came under Muslim control and became part of Al-Andalus, a province of the Umayyad Caliphate. From the conquest of Roussillon in 760, to the conquest of Barcelona in 801, the Frankish empire took control of the area between Septimania and the Llobregat river from the Muslims and created heavily militarised, self-governing counties. These counties formed part of the historiographically known as the Gothic and Hispanic Marches, a buffer zone in the south of the Frankish Empire in the former province of Septimania and in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, to act as a defensive barrier for the Frankish Empire against further Muslim invasions from Al-Andalus.

Ramon Berenguer IV, Count of Barcelona (left), Petronilla of Aragon (right) and their son Alfonso II of Aragon and I of Barcelona, dynastic union of the Crown of Aragon

These counties came under the rule of the counts of Barcelona, who were Frankish vassals nominated by the emperor of the Franks, to whom they were feudatories (801–988). The earliest known use of the name "Catalonia" for these counties dates to 1117. At the end of the 9th century, the Count of Barcelona Wilfred the Hairy (878–897) made his titles hereditaries and thus founded the dynasty of the House of Barcelona, which reigned in Catalonia until 1410.

Hug IV, count of Empúries, and Pero Maça during the conquest of Mallorca (1229)
A 15th-century miniature of the Catalan Courts

In 988 Borrell II, Count of Barcelona, did not recognise the new French king Hugh Capet as his king, evidencing the loss of dependency from Frankish rule and confirming his successors (from Ramon Borrell I onwards) as independent of the Capetian crown whom they regarded as usurpers of the Carolingian Frankish realm. At the beginning of eleventh century the Catalan counties experienced an important process of feudalisation, however, the efforts of church's sponsored Peace and Truce Assemblies and the intervention of Ramon Berenguer I, count of Barcelona (1035–1076) in the negotiations with the rebel nobility resulted in the partial restoration of the comital authority under the new feudal order. To fulfill that purpose, Ramon Berenguer began the modification of the legislation in the written Usages of Barcelona, being one of the first European compilations of feudal law.

In 1137, Ramon Berenguer IV, Count of Barcelona decided to accept King Ramiro II of Aragon's proposal to receive the Kingdom of Aragon and to marry his daughter Petronila, establishing the dynastic union of the County of Barcelona with Aragon, creating a composite monarchy later known as the Crown of Aragon and making the Catalan counties that were vassalized or merged with the County of Barcelona into a principality of the Aragonese Crown. During the reign of his son Alphons, in 1173, Catalonia was regarded as a legal entity for the first time, while the Usages of Barcelona were compiled in the process to turn them into the law and custom of Catalonia (Consuetudinem Cathalonie), being considered one of the "milestones of Catalan political identity".

In 1258, by means of the Treaty of Corbeil, James I of Aragon King of Aragon and Count of Barcelona, king of Mallorca and of Valencia, renounced his family rights and dominions in Occitania, while the king of France, Louis IX, formally relinquished to any historical claim of feudal lordship he might have over the Catalan counties, except the County of Foix, despite the opposition of king James. This treaty confirmed, from French point of view, the independence of the Catalan counties established and exercised during the previous three centuries, but also meant the irremediable separation between the geographical areas of Catalonia and Languedoc.

As a coastal territory, Catalonia became the base of the Aragonese Crown's maritime forces, which spread the power of the Crown in the Mediterranean, turning Barcelona into a powerful and wealthy city. In the period of 1164–1410, new territories, the Kingdom of Valencia, the Kingdom of Majorca, the Kingdom of Sardinia, the Kingdom of Sicily, and, briefly, the Duchies of Athens and Neopatras, were incorporated into the dynastic domains of the House of Aragon. The expansion was accompanied by a great development of the Catalan trade, creating an extensive trade network across the Mediterranean which competed with those of the maritime republics of Genoa and Venice.

At the same time, the Principality of Catalonia developed a complex institutional and political system based in the concept of a pact between the estates of the realm and the king. The legislation of Catalonia had to be passed the Catalan Courts (Corts Catalanes), one of the first parliamentary bodies of Europe that, since 1283, obtained the power to legislate with the monarch. The Courts were composed of the three Estates organized into "arms" (braços), were presided over by the monarch, and approved the Catalan constitutions, which established a compilation of rights for the inhabitants of the Principality. In order to collect general taxes, the Catalan Courts of 1359 established a permanent representative body, known as the "Deputation of the General" or Generalitat, which gained considerable political power over the next centuries.

Diachronic map of the Crown of Aragon. The Principality of Catalonia appears in light green

The domains of the Aragonese Crown were severely affected by the Black Death pandemic and by later outbreaks of the plague. Between 1347 and 1497 Catalonia lost 37 percent of its population. In 1410, the last reigning monarch of the House of Barcelona, King Martin I died without surviving descendants. Under the Compromise of Caspe (1412), the representatives of the kingdoms of Aragon, Valencia and the Principality of Catalonia appointed Ferdinand from the Castilian House of Trastámara as King of the Crown of Aragon. During the reign of his son, John II, the persistent economic crisis and social and political tensions in the Principality led to the Catalan Civil War (1462–1472) and the War of the Remences (1462–1486) that left Catalonia exhausted. The Sentencia Arbitral de Guadalupe (1486) liberated the remença peasants from the feudal evil customs.

In the later Middle Ages, Catalan literature flourished in Catalonia proper and in the kingdoms of Majorca and Valencia, with such remarkable authors as the philosopher Ramon Llull, the Valencian poet Ausiàs March, and Joanot Martorell, author of the novel Tirant lo Blanch, published in 1490.

Modern era

The Principality of Catalonia (1608)

Ferdinand II of Aragon, the grandson of Ferdinand I, and Queen Isabella I of Castile were married in 1469, later taking the title the Catholic Monarchs; subsequently, this event was seen by historiographers as the dawn of a unified Spain. At this time, though united by marriage, the Crowns of Castile and Aragon maintained distinct territories, each keeping its own traditional institutions, parliaments, laws and currency. Castile commissioned expeditions to the Americas and benefited from the riches acquired in the Spanish colonisation of the Americas, but, in time, also carried the main burden of military expenses of the united Spanish kingdoms. After Isabella's death, Ferdinand II personally ruled both crowns.

By virtue of descent from his maternal grandparents, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, in 1516 Charles I of Spain became the first king to rule the Crowns of Castile and Aragon simultaneously by his own right. Following the death of his paternal (House of Habsburg) grandfather, Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor, he was also elected Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, in 1519.

Corpus de Sang (7 June 1640), one of the main events of the Reaper's War. Painted in 1910

Over the next few centuries, the Principality of Catalonia was generally on the losing side of a series of wars that led steadily to an increased centralization of power in Spain. Despite this fact, between the 16th and 18th centuries, the participation of the political community in the local and the general Catalan government grew (thus consolidating its constitutional system), while the kings remained absent, represented by a viceroy. Tensions between Catalan institutions and the monarchy began to arise. The large and burdensome presence of the Spanish royal army in the Principality due to the Franco-Spanish War led to an uprising of peasants, provoking the Reapers' War (1640–1652), which saw Catalonia rebel (briefly as a republic led by the president of the Generalitat, Pau Claris) with French help against the Spanish Crown for overstepping Catalonia's rights during the Thirty Years' War. Within a brief period France took full control of Catalonia. Most of Catalonia was reconquered by the Spanish monarchy but Catalan rights were mostly recognised. Roussillon and half of Cerdanya was lost to France by the Treaty of the Pyrenees (1659).

The most significant conflict concerning the governing monarchy was the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1715), which began when the childless Charles II of Spain, the last Spanish Habsburg, died without an heir in 1700. Charles II had chosen Philip V of Spain from the French House of Bourbon. Catalonia, like other territories that formed the Crown of Aragon, rose up in support of the Austrian Habsburg pretender Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor, in his claim for the Spanish throne as Charles III of Spain. The fight between the houses of Bourbon and Habsburg for the Spanish Crown split Spain and Europe.

The fall of Barcelona on 11 September 1714 to the Bourbon king Philip V militarily ended the Habsburg claim to the Spanish Crown, which became legal fact in the Treaty of Utrecht. Philip felt that he had been betrayed by the Catalan Courts, as it had initially sworn its loyalty to him when he had presided over it in 1701. In retaliation for the betrayal, and inspired by the French model, the first Bourbon king enacted the Nueva Planta decrees of 1707, 1715 and 1716, incorporating the realms of the Crown of Aragon, including the Principality of Catalonia in 1716, as provinces of the Crown of Castile, terminating their status as separate states along with their parliaments, institutions and public and administrative laws, as well as their pactist politics, within a French-style centralized and absolutist kingdom of Spain. In the second half of the 17th century and the 18th century (excluding the parentesis of the Succession War and the post-war inestability) Catalonia carried out a successful process of economic growth and proto-industrialization, reinforced in the late quarter of the century when Castile's trade monopoly with American colonies ended.

The beginning of the Spanish nation state

After the War of the Spanish Succession, the assimilation of the Crown of Aragon by the Castilian Crown through the Nueva Planta Decrees was the first step in the creation of the Spanish nation state. These nationalist policies, sometimes very aggressive, and still in force, have been and are the seed of repeated territorial conflicts within the state.

Late modern history

Third siege of Girona (1809), Peninsular War against Napoleon

At the beginning of the nineteenth century, Catalonia was severely affected by the Napoleonic Wars. In 1808, it was occupied by French troops under general Guillaume Philibert Duhesme after he conquered Barcelona; the resistance against the occupation eventually developed into the Peninsular War. The rejection of French dominion was institutionalized with the creation of "juntas" (councils) who, remaining loyal to the Bourbons, exercised the sovereignty and representation of the territory due to the disappearance of the old institutions. Napoleon took direct control of Catalonia to reestablish order, creating the Government of Catalonia under the rule of Marshall Augereau, and making Catalan briefly an official language again. Between 1812 and 1814, Catalonia was annexed to France and organized as four departments. The French troops evacuated Catalan territory at the end of 1814. After the Bourbon restoration in Spain and the death of the absolutist king Ferdinand VII (1833), Carlist Wars erupted against the newly established liberal state of Isabella II. Catalonia was divided, with the coastal and most industrialized areas supporting liberalism, while most of the countryside were in the hands of the Carlist faction; the latter proposed to reestablish the institutional systems suppressed by the Nueva Planta decrees in the ancient realms of the Crown of Aragon. The consolidation of the liberal state saw a new provincial division of Spain, including Catalonia, which was divided into four provinces (Barcelona, Girona, Lleida and Tarragona).

Suspects rounded up by the Civil Guard during the Tragic Week, 1909

In the second third of the 19th century, Catalonia became an important industrial center, particularly focused on textiles. This process was a consequence of the conditions of proto-industrialisation of textile production in the prior two centuries, growing capital from wine and brandy export, and was later boosted by the government support for domestic manufacturing. In 1832, the Bonaplata Factory in Barcelona became the first factory in the country to make use of the steam engine. The first railway on the Iberian Peninsula was built between Barcelona and Mataró in 1848. A policy to encourage company towns also saw the textile industry flourish in the countryside in the 1860s and 1870s. Although the policy of Spanish governments oscillated between free trade and protectionism, protectionist laws become more common. To this day Catalonia remains one of the most industrialised areas of Spain.

In the same period, Barcelona was the focus of industrial conflict and revolutionary uprisings known as "bullangues". In Catalonia, a republican current began to develop among the progressives, attrackting many Catalans who favored the federalisation of Spain. Meanwhile, the Catalan language saw a Romantic cultural renaissance from the second third of the century onwards, the Renaixença, among both the working class and the bourgeoisie. Right after the fall of the First Spanish Republic (1873–1874) and the subsequent restoration of the Bourbon dynasty (1874), Catalan nationalism began to be organized politically under the leadership of the republican federalist Valentí Almirall.

Francesc Macià proclaiming the Catalan Republic on 14 April 1931 in Barcelona

The anarchist movement had been active throughout the last quarter of the 19th century and the early 20th century, founding the CNT trade union in 1910 and achieving one of the first eight-hour workdays in Europe in 1919. Growing resentment of conscription and of the military culminated in the Tragic Week (Catalan: Setmana Tràgica) in Barcelona in 1909. Under the hegemony of the Regionalist League, Catalonia gained a degree of administrative unity for the first time in the Modern era. In 1914, the four Catalan provinces were authorized to create a commonwealth (Catalan: Mancomunitat de Catalunya), lacking any legislative power or specific political autonomy, which carried out an ambitious program of modernization, but it was disbanded in 1925 by the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera (1923–1930). During the final stage of the Dictatorship, with Spain beginning to suffer an economic crisis, Barcelona hosted the 1929 International Exposition.

After the fall of the dictatorship and a brief proclamation of the Catalan Republic, during the events of the proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic (14–17 April 1931), Catalonia received, in 1932, its first Statute of Autonomy from the Spanish Republic's Parliament, granting it a considerable degree of self-government, establishing an autonomous body, the Generalitat of Catalonia, which included a parliament, an executive and a court of cassation. The left-wing pro-independence leader Francesc Macià was appointed its first president. Under the Statute, Catalan became an official language. The governments of the Republican Generalitat, led by the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) leaders Francesc Macià (1931–1933) and Lluís Companys (1933–1940), sought to implement a modernizing and progressive social agenda, despite the internal difficulties. This period was marked by political unrest, the effects of the economic crisis and their social repercussions. The Statute of Autonomy was suspended in 1934, due to the Events of 6 October in Barcelona, as a response to the accession of right-wing Spanish nationalist party CEDA to the government of the Republic, considered close to fascism. After the electoral victory of the left wing Popular Front in February 1936, the Government of Catalonia was pardoned and the self-government was restored.

Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) and Franco's rule (1939–1975)

Main articles: Revolutionary Catalonia and Francoist Catalonia Left: Spanish Revolution of 1936. Right: Bombing of Barcelona (1938)

The defeat of the military rebellion against the Republican government in Barcelona placed Catalonia firmly in the Republican side of the Spanish Civil War. During the war, there were two rival powers in Catalonia: the de jure power of the Generalitat and the de facto power of the armed popular militias. Violent confrontations between the workers' parties (CNT-FAI and POUM against the PSUC) culminated in the defeat of the first ones in 1937. The situation resolved itself progressively in favor of the Generalitat, but at the same time the Generalitat lost most of its autonomous powers within Republican Spain. In 1938 Franco's troops broke the Republican territory in two, isolating Catalonia from the rest of the Republican territory. The defeat of the Republican army in the Battle of the Ebro led in 1938 and 1939 to the occupation of Catalonia by Franco's forces.

The defeat of the Spanish Republic in the Spanish Civil War brought to power the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, whose first ten-year rule was particularly violent, autocratic, and repressive both in a political, cultural, social, and economical sense. In Catalonia, any kind of public activities associated with Catalan nationalism, republicanism, anarchism, socialism, liberalism, democracy or communism, including the publication of books on those subjects or simply discussion of them in open meetings, was banned.

Francisco Franco in Reus, 1940

Franco's regime banned the use of Catalan in government-run institutions and during public events, and the Catalan institutions of self-government were abolished. The pro-Republic of Spain president of Catalonia, Lluís Companys, was taken to Spain from his exile in the German-occupied France and was tortured and executed in the Montjuïc Castle of Barcelona for the crime of 'military rebellion'.

During later stages of Francoist Spain, certain folkloric and religious celebrations in Catalan resumed and were tolerated. Use of Catalan in the mass media had been forbidden but was permitted from the early 1950s in the theatre. Despite the ban during the first years and the difficulties of the next period, publishing in Catalan continued throughout his rule.

The years after the war were extremely hard. Catalonia, like many other parts of Spain, had been devastated by the war. Recovery from the war damage was slow and made more difficult by the international trade embargo and the autarkic politics of Franco's regime. By the late 1950s, the region had recovered its pre-war economic levels and in the 1960s was the second-fastest growing economy in the world in what became known as the Spanish miracle. During this period there was a spectacular growth of industry and tourism in Catalonia that drew large numbers of workers to the region from across Spain and made the area around Barcelona one of Europe's largest industrial metropolitan areas.

Transition and democratic period (1975–present)

The Olympic flame in the Olympic Stadium Lluís Companys of Barcelona during the 1992 Summer Olympics

After Franco's death in 1975, Catalonia voted for the adoption of a democratic Spanish Constitution in 1978, in which Catalonia recovered political and cultural autonomy, restoring the Generalitat (exiled since the end of the Civil War in 1939) in 1977 and adopting a new Statute of Autonomy in 1979, which defined Catalonia as a "nationality". The first elections to the Parliament of Catalonia under this Statute gave the Catalan presidency to Jordi Pujol, leader of Convergència i Unió (CiU), a center-right Catalan nationalist electoral coalition, with Pujol re-elected until 2003. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the institutions of Catalan autonomy were deployed, among them an autonomous police force, the Mossos d'Esquadra, in 1983, and the broadcasting network Televisió de Catalunya and its first channel TV3, created in 1983. An extensive program of normalization of Catalan language was carried out. Today, Catalonia remains one of the most economically dynamic communities of Spain. The Catalan capital and largest city, Barcelona, is a major international cultural centre and a major tourist destination. In 1992, Barcelona hosted the Summer Olympic Games.

Independence movement

Main articles: Catalan independence movement and 2017–18 Spanish constitutional crisis

In November 2003, elections to the Parliament of Catalonia gave the government to a left-wing Catalanist coalition formed by the Socialists' Party of Catalonia (PSC-PSOE), Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) and Initiative for Catalonia Greens (ICV), and the socialist Pasqual Maragall was appointed president. The new government redacted a new version of the Statute of Autonomy, with the aim of consolidate and expand certain aspects of self-government.

The new Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia, approved after a referendum in 2006, was contested by important sectors of the Spanish society, especially by the conservative People's Party, which sent the law to the Constitutional Court of Spain. In 2010, the Court declared non-valid some of the articles that established an autonomous Catalan system of Justice, improved aspects of the financing, a new territorial division, the status of Catalan language or the symbolical declaration of Catalonia as a nation. This decision was severely contested by large sectors of Catalan society, which increased the demands of independence.

Catalan president, Carles Puigdemont, addresses the crowd following the unilateral declaration of independence on 27 October.

A controversial independence referendum was held in Catalonia on 1 October 2017, using a disputed voting process. It was declared illegal and suspended by the Constitutional Court of Spain, because it breached the 1978 Constitution. Subsequent developments saw, on 27 October 2017, a symbolic declaration of independence by the Parliament of Catalonia, the enforcement of direct rule by the Spanish government through the use of Article 155 of the Constitution, the dismissal of the Executive Council and the dissolution of the Parliament, with a snap regional election called for 21 December 2017, which ended with a victory of pro-independence parties. Former President Carles Puigdemont and five former cabinet ministers fled Spain and took refuge in other European countries (such as Belgium, in Puigdemont's case), whereas nine other cabinet members, including vice-president Oriol Junqueras, were sentenced to prison under various charges of rebellion, sedition, and misuse of public funds. Quim Torra became the 131st President of the Government of Catalonia on 17 May 2018, after the Spanish courts blocked three other candidates.

In 2018, the Assemblea Nacional Catalana joined the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) on behalf of Catalonia.

On 14 October 2019, the Spanish Supreme court sentenced several Catalan political leaders, involved in organizing a referendum on Catalonia's independence from Spain, and convicted them on charges ranging from sedition to misuse of public funds, with sentences ranging from 9 to 13 years in prison. This decision sparked demonstrations around Catalonia. They were later pardoned by the Spanish government and left prison in June 2021.

In the early-to-mid 2020s support for independence declined.

Geography

Climate

Climates of Catalonia:

The climate of Catalonia is diverse. The populated areas lying by the coast in Tarragona, Barcelona and Girona provinces feature a Hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csa). The inland part (including the Lleida province and the inner part of Barcelona province) show a mostly Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csa). The Pyrenean peaks have a continental (Köppen D) or even Alpine climate (Köppen ET) at the highest summits, while the valleys have a maritime or oceanic climate sub-type (Köppen Cfb).

In the Mediterranean area, summers are dry and hot with sea breezes, and the maximum temperature is around 26–31 °C (79–88 °F). Winter is cool or slightly cold depending on the location. It snows frequently in the Pyrenees, and it occasionally snows at lower altitudes, even by the coastline. Spring and autumn are typically the rainiest seasons, except for the Pyrenean valleys, where summer is typically stormy.

The inland part of Catalonia is hotter and drier in summer. Temperature may reach 35 °C (95 °F), some days even 40 °C (104 °F). Nights are cooler there than at the coast, with the temperature of around 14–17 °C (57–63 °F). Fog is not uncommon in valleys and plains; it can be especially persistent, with freezing drizzle episodes and subzero temperatures during winter, mainly along the Ebro and Segre valleys and in Plain of Vic.

Topography

See also: List of mountains in Catalonia
Geomorphologic map of Catalonia:
Besiberri in Catalan Pyrenees

Catalonia has a marked geographical diversity, considering the relatively small size of its territory. The geography is conditioned by the Mediterranean coast, with 580 kilometres (360 miles) of coastline, and the towering Pyrenees along the long northern border. Catalonia is divided into three main geomorphological units:

  • The Pyrenees: mountainous formation that connects the Iberian Peninsula with the European continental territory (see passage above);
  • The Catalan Coastal mountain ranges or the Catalan Mediterranean System: an alternating delevacions and planes parallel to the Mediterranean coast;
  • The Catalan Central Depression: structural unit which forms the eastern sector of the Valley of the Ebro.
Mountain of Montserrat and the monastery

The Catalan Pyrenees represent almost half in length of the Pyrenees, as it extends more than 200 kilometres (120 miles). Traditionally differentiated the Axial Pyrenees (the main part) and the Pre-Pyrenees (southern from the Axial) which are mountainous formations parallel to the main mountain ranges but with lower altitudes, less steep and a different geological formation. The highest mountain of Catalonia, located north of the comarca of Pallars Sobirà is the Pica d'Estats (3,143 m), followed by the Puigpedrós (2,914 m). The Serra del Cadí comprises the highest peaks in the Pre-Pyrenees and forms the southern boundary of the Cerdanya valley.

The Central Catalan Depression is a plain located between the Pyrenees and Pre-Coastal Mountains. Elevation ranges from 200 to 600 metres (660 to 1,970 feet). The plains and the water that descend from the Pyrenees have made it fertile territory for agriculture and numerous irrigation canals have been built. Another major plain is the Empordà, located in the northeast.

The Catalan Mediterranean system is based on two ranges running roughly parallel to the coast (southwest–northeast), called the Coastal and the Pre-Coastal Ranges. The Coastal Range is both the shorter and the lower of the two, while the Pre-Coastal is greater in both length and elevation. Areas within the Pre-Coastal Range include Montserrat, Montseny and the Ports de Tortosa-Beseit. Lowlands alternate with the Coastal and Pre-Coastal Ranges. The Coastal Lowland is located to the East of the Coastal Range between it and the coast, while the Pre-Coastal Lowlands are located inland, between the Coastal and Pre-Coastal Ranges, and includes the Vallès and Penedès plains.

Flora and fauna

Montseny brook newt (Calotriton arnoldi), endemic to the Montseny Massif

Catalonia is a showcase of European landscapes on a small scale. Just over 30,000 square kilometres (12,000 square miles) hosting a variety of substrates, soils, climates, directions, altitudes and distances to the sea. The area is of great ecological diversity and a remarkable wealth of landscapes, habitats and species.

The fauna of Catalonia comprises a minority of animals endemic to the region and a majority of non-endemic animals. Much of Catalonia enjoys a Mediterranean climate (except mountain areas), which makes many of the animals that live there adapted to Mediterranean ecosystems. Of mammals, there are plentiful wild boar, red foxes, as well as roe deer and in the Pyrenees, the Pyrenean chamois. Other large species such as the bear have been recently reintroduced.

The waters of the Balearic Sea are rich in biodiversity, and even the megafaunas of the oceans; various types of whales (such as fin, sperm, and pilot) and dolphins can be found in the area.

Hydrography

See also: List of rivers of Catalonia
Lake of Banyoles
Tossa de Mar, Costa Brava

Most of Catalonia belongs to the Mediterranean Basin. The Catalan hydrographic network consists of two important basins, the one of the Ebro and the one that comprises the internal basins of Catalonia (respectively covering 46.84% and 51.43% of the territory), all of them flow to the Mediterranean. Furthermore, there is the Garona river basin that flows to the Atlantic Ocean, but it only covers 1.73% of the Catalan territory.

The hydrographic network can be divided in two sectors, an occidental slope or Ebro river slope and one oriental slope constituted by minor rivers that flow to the Mediterranean along the Catalan coast. The first slope provides an average of 18,700 cubic hectometres (4.5 cubic miles) per year, while the second only provides an average of 2,020 hm (0.48 cu mi)/year. The difference is due to the big contribution of the Ebro river, from which the Segre is an important tributary. Moreover, in Catalonia there is a relative wealth of groundwaters, although there is inequality between comarques, given the complex geological structure of the territory. In the Pyrenees there are many small lakes, remnants of the ice age. The biggest are the lake of Banyoles and the recently recovered lake of Ivars.

The Catalan coast is almost rectilinear, with a length of 580 kilometres (360 mi) and few landforms—the most relevant are the Cap de Creus and the Gulf of Roses to the north and the Ebro Delta to the south. The Catalan Coastal Range hugs the coastline, and it is split into two segments, one between L'Estartit and the town of Blanes (the Costa Brava), and the other at the south, at the Costes del Garraf.

The principal rivers in Catalonia are the Ter, Llobregat, and the Ebro (Catalan: Ebre), all of which run into the Mediterranean.

Anthropic pressure and protection of nature

The majority of Catalan population is concentrated in 30% of the territory, mainly in the coastal plains. Intensive agriculture, livestock farming and industrial activities have been accompanied by a massive tourist influx (more than 20 million annual visitors), a rate of urbanization and even of major metropolisation which has led to a strong urban sprawl: two thirds of Catalans live in the urban area of Barcelona, while the proportion of urban land increased from 4.2% in 1993 to 6.2% in 2009, a growth of 48.6% in sixteen years, complemented with a dense network of transport infrastructure. This is accompanied by a certain agricultural abandonment (decrease of 15% of all areas cultivated in Catalonia between 1993 and 2009) and a global threat to natural environment. Human activities have also put some animal species at risk, or even led to their disappearance from the territory, like the gray wolf and probably the brown bear of the Pyrenees. The pressure created by this model of life means that the country's ecological footprint exceeds its administrative area.

Faced with these problems, Catalan authorities initiated several measures whose purpose is to protect natural ecosystems. Thus, in 1990, the Catalan government created the Nature Conservation Council (Catalan: Consell de Protecció de la Natura), an advisory body with the aim to study, protect and manage the natural environments and landscapes of Catalonia. In addition, the Generalitat has carried out the Plan of Spaces of Natural Interest (Pla d'Espais d'Interès Natural or PEIN) in 1992 while eighteen Natural Spaces of Special Protection (Espais Naturals de Protecció Especial or ENPE) have been instituted.

There's a National Park, Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici; fourteen Natural Parks, Alt Pirineu, Aiguamolls de l'Empordà, Cadí-Moixeró, Cap de Creus, Sources of Ter and Freser, Collserola, Ebro Delta, Ports, Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter, Montseny, Montserrat, Sant Llorenç del Munt and l'Obac, Serra de Montsant, and the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone; as well as three Natural Places of National Interest (Paratge Natural d'Interes Nacional or PNIN), the Pedraforca, the Poblet Forest and the Albères.

Politics

Politics of Catalonia
Statute and lawsStatute of Autonomy
GeneralitatPresident (list)
ExecutiveExecutive Council
LegislatureParliament (15th)
JudiciaryHigh Court of Justice
  • President: Jesús María Barrientos
Public order
Political partiesParliamentary parties
ElectionsParliamentary elections

Referendums

SubdivisionsRegional

Local

Main articles: Politics of Catalonia, Politics of Spain, and Catalan independence
Lluís Companys, second president of the Generalitat of Catalonia between 1933 and 1940, executed by Franco's regime

After Franco's death in 1975 and the adoption of a democratic constitution in Spain in 1978, Catalonia recovered and extended the powers that it had gained in the Statute of Autonomy of 1932 but lost with the fall of the Second Spanish Republic at the end of the Spanish Civil War in 1939.

This autonomous community has gradually achieved more autonomy since the approval of the Spanish Constitution of 1978. The Generalitat holds exclusive jurisdiction in education, health, culture, environment, communications, transportation, commerce, public safety and local government, and only shares jurisdiction with the Spanish government in justice. In all, some analysts argue that formally the current system grants Catalonia with "more self-government than almost any other corner in Europe".

The support for Catalan nationalism ranges from a demand for further autonomy and the federalisation of Spain to the desire for independence from the rest of Spain, expressed by Catalan independentists. The first survey following the Constitutional Court ruling that cut back elements of the 2006 Statute of Autonomy, published by La Vanguardia on 18 July 2010, found that 46% of the voters would support independence in a referendum. In February of the same year, a poll by the Open University of Catalonia gave more or less the same results. Other polls have shown lower support for independence, ranging from 40 to 49%. Although it is established in the whole of the territory, support for independence is significantly higher in the hinterland and the northeast, away from the more populous coastal areas such as Barcelona.

Since 2011 when the question started to be regularly surveyed by the governmental Center for Public Opinion Studies (CEO), support for Catalan independence has been on the rise. According to the CEO opinion poll from July 2016, 47.7% of Catalans would vote for independence and 42.4% against it while, about the question of preferences, according to the CEO opinion poll from March 2016, a 57.2 claim to be "absolutely" or "fairly" in favour of independence. Other polls have shown lower support for independence, ranging from 40 to 49%. Other polls show more variable results, according with the Spanish CIS, as of December 2016, 47% of Catalans rejected independence and 45% supported it.

In hundreds of non-binding local referendums on independence, organised across Catalonia from 13 September 2009, a large majority voted for independence, although critics argued that the polls were mostly held in pro-independence areas. In December 2009, 94% of those voting backed independence from Spain, on a turn-out of 25%. The final local referendum was held in Barcelona, in April 2011. On 11 September 2012, a pro-independence march pulled in a crowd of between 600,000 (according to the Spanish Government), 1.5 million (according to the Guàrdia Urbana de Barcelona), and 2 million (according to its promoters); whereas poll results revealed that half the population of Catalonia supported secession from Spain.

Prominent Catalan politicians in Spain.Juan Prim (Spanish prime minister under regent don Francisco Serrano)Estanislao Figueras (president of the First Spanish Republic)Francesc Pi i Margall
(president of the First Spanish Republic)

Two major factors were Spain's Constitutional Court's 2010 decision to declare part of the 2006 Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia unconstitutional, as well as the fact that Catalonia contributes 19.49% of the central government's tax revenue, but only receives 14.03% of central government's spending.

Parties that consider themselves either Catalan nationalist or independentist have been present in all Catalan governments since 1980. The largest Catalan nationalist party, Convergence and Union, ruled Catalonia from 1980 to 2003, and returned to power in the 2010 election. Between 2003 and 2010, a leftist coalition, composed by the Catalan Socialists' Party, the pro-independence Republican Left of Catalonia and the leftist-environmentalist Initiative for Catalonia-Greens, implemented policies that widened Catalan autonomy.

In the 25 November 2012 Catalan parliamentary election, sovereigntist parties supporting a secession referendum gathered 59.01% of the votes and held 87 of the 135 seats in the Catalan Parliament. Parties supporting independence from the rest of Spain obtained 49.12% of the votes and a majority of 74 seats.

Artur Mas, then the president of Catalonia, organised early elections that took place on 27 September 2015. In these elections, Convergència and Esquerra Republicana decided to join, and they presented themselves under the coalition named Junts pel Sí (in Catalan, Together for Yes). Junts pel Sí won 62 seats and was the most voted party, and CUP (Candidatura d'Unitat Popular, a far-left and independentist party) won another 10, so the sum of all the independentist forces/parties was 72 seats, reaching an absolute majority, but not in number of individual votes, comprising 47,74% of the total.

Statute of Autonomy

Main article: Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia See also: Autonomous communities of Spain and Nationalities and regions of Spain
The first Statute of Catalonia, 1932

The Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia is the fundamental organic law, second only to the Spanish Constitution from which the Statute originates.

In the Spanish Constitution of 1978 Catalonia, along with the Basque Country and Galicia, was defined as a "nationality". The same constitution gave Catalonia the automatic right to autonomy, which resulted in the Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia of 1979.

Both the 1979 Statute of Autonomy and the current one, approved in 2006, state that "Catalonia, as a nationality, exercises its self-government constituted as an Autonomous Community in accordance with the Constitution and with the Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia, which is its basic institutional law, always under the law in Spain".

The Preamble of the 2006 Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia states that the Parliament of Catalonia has defined Catalonia as a nation, but that "the Spanish Constitution recognizes Catalonia's national reality as a nationality". While the Statute was approved by and sanctioned by both the Catalan and Spanish parliaments, and later by referendum in Catalonia, it has been subject to a legal challenge by the surrounding autonomous communities of Aragon, Balearic Islands and Valencia, as well as by the conservative People's Party. The objections are based on various issues such as disputed cultural heritage but, especially, on the Statute's alleged breaches of the principle of "solidarity between regions" in fiscal and educational matters enshrined by the Constitution.

Spain's Constitutional Court assessed the disputed articles and on 28 June 2010, issued its judgment on the principal allegation of unconstitutionality presented by the People's Party in 2006. The judgment granted clear passage to 182 articles of the 223 that make up the fundamental text. The court approved 73 of the 114 articles that the People's Party had contested, while declaring 14 articles unconstitutional in whole or in part and imposing a restrictive interpretation on 27 others. The court accepted the specific provision that described Catalonia as a "nation", however ruled that it was a historical and cultural term with no legal weight, and that Spain remained the only nation recognised by the constitution.

Government and law

Main article: Generalitat of Catalonia Palace of the Parliament of Catalonia, located in Ciutadella park, BarcelonaPalau de la Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona, headquarters of the President and the Government of Catalonia

The Catalan Statute of Autonomy establishes that Catalonia, as an autonomous community, is organised politically through the Generalitat of Catalonia (Catalan: Generalitat de Catalunya), confirmed by the Parliament, the Presidency of the Generalitat, the Government or Executive Council and the other institutions established by the Parliament, among them the Ombudsman (Síndic de Greuges), the Office of Auditors (Sindicatura de Comptes) the Council for Statutory Guarantees (Consell de Garanties Estatutàries) or the Audiovisual Council of Catalonia (Consell de l'Audiovisual de Catalunya).

Salvador Illa, President of the Generalitat of Catalonia (2024–)

The Parliament of Catalonia (Catalan: Parlament de Catalunya) is the unicameral legislative body of the Generalitat and represents the people of Catalonia. Its 135 members (diputats) are elected by universal suffrage to serve for a four-year period. According to the Statute of Autonomy, it has powers to legislate over devolved matters such as education, health, culture, internal institutional and territorial organization, nomination of the President of the Generalitat and control the Government, budget and other affairs. The last Catalan election was held on 12 May 2024, and its current speaker (president) is Josep Rull, incumbent since 10 June 2024.

The President of the Generalitat of Catalonia (Catalan: president de la Generalitat de Catalunya) is the highest representative of Catalonia, and is also responsible of leading the government's action, presiding the Executive Council. Since the restoration of the Generalitat on the return of democracy in Spain, the Presidents of Catalonia have been Josep Tarradellas (1977–1980, president in exile since 1954), Jordi Pujol (1980–2003), Pasqual Maragall (2003–2006), José Montilla (2006–2010), Artur Mas (2010–2016), Carles Puigdemont (2016–2017) and, after the imposition of direct rule from Madrid, Quim Torra (2018–2020), Pere Aragonès (2021–2024) and Salvador Illa (2024–).

The Executive Council (Catalan: Consell Executiu) or Government (Govern), is the body responsible of the government of the Generalitat, it holds executive and regulatory power, being accountable to the Catalan Parliament. It comprises the President of the Generalitat, the First Minister (conseller primer) or the Vice President, and the ministers (consellers) appointed by the president. Its seat is the Palau de la Generalitat, Barcelona. In 2021 the government was a coalition of two parties, the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) and Together for Catalonia (Junts) and is made up of 14 ministers, including the vice President, alongside to the president and a secretary of government, but in October 2022 Together for Catalonia (Junts) left the coalition and the government.

Security forces and Justice

Main article: Mossos d'Esquadra

Catalonia has its own police force, the Mossos d'Esquadra (officially called Mossos d'Esquadra-Policia de la Generalitat de Catalunya), whose origins date back to the 18th century. Since 1980 they have been under the command of the Generalitat, and since 1994 they have expanded in number in order to replace the national Civil Guard and National Police Corps, which report directly to the Homeland Department of Spain. The national bodies retain personnel within Catalonia to exercise functions of national scope such as overseeing ports, airports, coasts, international borders, custom offices, the identification of documents and arms control, immigration control, terrorism prevention, arms trafficking prevention, amongst others.

Most of the justice system is administered by national judicial institutions, the highest body and last judicial instance in the Catalan jurisdiction, integrating the Spanish judiciary, is the High Court of Justice of Catalonia. The criminal justice system is uniform throughout Spain, while civil law is administered separately within Catalonia. The civil laws that are subject to autonomous legislation have been codified in the Civil Code of Catalonia (Codi civil de Catalunya) since 2002.

Catalonia, together with Navarre and the Basque Country, are the Spanish communities with the highest degree of autonomy in terms of law enforcement.

Administrative divisions

Provinces, regions and counties of Catalonia (until 2015)
Main article: Subdivisions of Catalonia See also: Political divisions of Spain and Local government in Spain

Catalonia is organised territorially into provinces or regions, further subdivided into comarques and municipalities. The 2006 Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia establishes the administrative organisation of the later three.

Provinces

Further information: Provinces of Spain

Much like the rest of Spain, Catalonia is divided administratively into four provinces, the governing body of which is the Provincial Deputation (Catalan: Diputació Provincial, Occitan: Deputacion Provinciau, Spanish: Diputación Provincial). As of 2010, the four provinces and their populations were:

Unlike vegueries, provinces do not follow the limitations of the subdivisional counties, notably Baixa Cerdanya, which is split in half between the demarcations of Lleida and Girona. This situation has led some isolated municipalities to request province changes from the Spanish government.

Vegueries

Main article: Vegueries of Catalonia

Besides provinces, Catalonia is internally divided into eight regions or vegueries, based on the feudal administrative territorial jurisdiction of the Principality of Catalonia. Established in 2006, vegueries are used by the Generalitat de Catalunya with the aim to more effectively divide Catalonia administratively. In addition, vegueries are intended to become Catalonia's first-level administrative division and a full replacement for the four deputations of the Catalan provinces, creating a council for each vegueria, but this has not been realised as changes to the statewide provinces system are unconstitutional without a constitutional amendment.

The territorial plan of Catalonia (Pla territorial general de Catalunya) provided six general functional areas, but was amended by Law 24/2001, of 31 December, recognizing Alt Pirineu and Aran as a new functional area differentiated of Ponent. After some opposition from some territories, it was made possible for the Aran Valley to retain its government (the vegueria is renamed to Alt Pirineu, although the name Alt Pirineu and Aran is still used by the regional plan) and in 2016, the Catalan Parliament approved the eighth vegueria, Penedès, split from the Barcelona region.

As of 2022, the eight regions and their populations were:

Comarques

Main article: Comarques of Catalonia

Comarques (often known as counties in English, but different from the historical Catalan counties) are entities composed of municipalities to internally manage their responsibilities and services. The current regional division has its roots in a decree of the Generalitat de Catalunya of 1936, in effect until 1939, when it was suppressed by Franco. In 1987 the Catalan Government reestablished the comarcal division and in 1988 three new comarques were added (Alta Ribagorça, Pla d'Urgell and Pla de l'Estany). Some further revisions have been realised since then, such as the additions of Moianès and Lluçanès counties, in 2015 and 2023 respectively. Except for Barcelonès, every comarca is administered by a comarcal council (consell comarcal).

As of 2024, Catalonia is divided in 42 counties plus the Aran Valley. The latter, although previously (and still informally) considered a comarca, obtained in 1990 a particular status within Catalonia due to its differences in culture and language, being administered by a body known as the Conselh Generau d'Aran (General Council of Aran), and in 2015 it was defined as a "unique territorial entity" instead of a county.

Municipalities

Further information: Municipalities of Catalonia

There are at present 947 municipalities (municipis) in Catalonia. Each municipality is run by a council (ajuntament) elected every four years by the residents in local elections. The council consists of a number of members (regidors) depending on population, who elect the mayor (alcalde or batlle). Its seat is the town hall (ajuntament, casa de la ciutat or casa de la vila).

Economy

Main article: Economy of Spain
Aerial view of Barcelona
Peach fields in Aitona
Costa Brava beach. Tourism plays an important role in the Catalan economy.

A highly industrialized region, the nominal GDP of Catalonia in 2018 was €228 billion (second after the community of Madrid, €230 billion) and the per capita GDP was €30,426 ($32,888), behind Madrid (€35,041), the Basque Country (€33,223), and Navarre (€31,389). That year, the GDP growth was 2.3%.

Catalonia's long-term credit rating is BB (Non-Investment Grade) according to Standard & Poor's, Ba2 (Non-Investment Grade) according to Moody's, and BBB- (Low Investment Grade) according to Fitch Ratings. Catalonia's rating is tied for worst with between 1 and 5 other autonomous communities of Spain, depending on the rating agency.

The city of Barcelona occupies the eighth position as one of the world's best cities to live, work, research and visit in 2021, according to the report "The World's Best Cities 2021", prepared by Resonance Consultancy.

According to a 2020 study by Eu-Starts-Up, the Catalan capital is one of the European bases of "reference for start-ups" and the fifth city in the world to establish one of these companies, behind London, Berlin, Paris and Amsterdam. Barcelona is behind London, New York, Paris, Moscow, Tokyo, Dubai and Singapore and ahead of Los Angeles and Madrid.

In the context of the financial crisis of 2007–2008, Catalonia was expected to suffer a recession amounting to almost a 2% contraction of its regional GDP in 2009. Catalonia's debt in 2012 was the highest of all Spain's autonomous communities, reaching €13,476 million, i.e. 38% of the total debt of the 17 autonomous communities, but in recent years its economy recovered a positive evolution and the GDP grew a 3.3% in 2015.

Industrial park in Castellbisbal
Factories, La Pobla de Mafumet, Tarragona

Catalonia is amongst the List of country subdivisions by GDP over 100 billion US dollars and is a member of the Four Motors for Europe organisation.

The distribution of sectors is as follows:

The main tourist destinations in Catalonia are the city of Barcelona, the beaches of the Costa Brava in Girona, the beaches of the Costa del Maresme and Costa del Garraf from Malgrat de Mar to Vilanova i la Geltrú and the Costa Daurada in Tarragona. In the High Pyrenees there are several ski resorts, near Lleida. On 1 November 2012, Catalonia started charging a tourist tax. The revenue is used to promote tourism, and to maintain and upgrade tourism-related infrastructure.

Eix Macià, Sabadell

Many of Spain's leading savings banks were based in Catalonia before the independence referendum of 2017. However, in the aftermath of the referendum, many of them moved their registered office to other parts of Spain. That includes the two biggest Catalan banks at that moment, La Caixa, which moved its office to Palma de Mallorca, and Banc Sabadell, ranked fourth among all Spanish private banks and which moved its office to Alicante. That happened after the Spanish government passed a law allowing companies to move their registered office without requiring the approval of the company's general meeting of shareholders. Overall, there was a negative net relocation rate of companies based in Catalonia moving to other autonomous communities of Spain. From the 2017 independence referendum until the end of 2018, for example, Catalonia lost 5454 companies to other parts of Spain (mainly Madrid), 2359 only in 2018, gaining 467 new ones from the rest of the country during 2018. It has been reported that the Spanish government and the Spanish King Felipe VI pressured some of the big Catalan companies to move their headquarters outside of the region.

The stock market of Barcelona, which in 2016 had a volume of around €152 billion, is the second largest of Spain after Madrid, and Fira de Barcelona organizes international exhibitions and congresses to do with different sectors of the economy.

The main economic cost for Catalan families is the purchase of a home. According to data from the Society of Appraisal on 31 December 2005 Catalonia is, after Madrid, the second most expensive region in Spain for housing: 3,397 €/m on average (see Spanish property bubble).

Unemployment

The unemployment rate stood at 10.5% in 2019 and was lower than the national average.

Unemployment rate (December data) (%)
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
6.6% 6.5% 11.8% 16.9% 17.9% 20.4% 23.8% 21.9% 19.9% 17.7% 14.9% 12.6% 11.8% 10.5%

Transport

Airports

Barcelona Airport tower
See also: List of airports in Catalonia

Airports in Catalonia are owned and operated by Aena (a Spanish Government entity) except two airports in Lleida which are operated by Aeroports de Catalunya (an entity belonging to the Government of Catalonia).

Ports

See also: List of ports in Spain
Aerial view of Zona Franca and the Port of Barcelona

Since the Middle Ages, Catalonia has been well integrated into international maritime networks. The port of Barcelona (owned and operated by Puertos del Estado, a Spanish Government entity) is an industrial, commercial and tourist port of worldwide importance. With 1,950,000 TEUs in 2015, it is the first container port in Catalonia, the third in Spain after Valencia and Algeciras in Andalusia, the 9th in the Mediterranean Sea, the 14th in Europe and the 68th in the world. It is sixth largest cruise port in the world, the first in Europe and the Mediterranean with 2,364,292 passengers in 2014. The ports of Tarragona (owned and operated by Puertos del Estado) in the southwest and Palamós near Girona at northeast are much more modest. The port of Palamós and the other ports in Catalonia (26) are operated and administered by Ports de la Generalitat, a Catalan Government entity.

The development of these infrastructures, resulting from the topography and history of the Catalan territory, responds strongly to the administrative and political organization of this autonomous community.

Roads

See also: List of primary highways in Catalonia
Autovia C-16 (Eix del Llobregat)

There are 12,000 kilometres (7,500 mi) of roads throughout Catalonia.

The principal highways are  AP-7  (Autopista de la Mediterrània) and  A-7  (Autovia de la Mediterrània). They follow the coast from the French border to Valencia, Murcia and Andalusia. The main roads generally radiate from Barcelona. The  AP-2  (Autopista del Nord-est) and  A-2  (Autovia del Nord-est) connect inland and onward to Madrid.

Other major roads are:

ID Itinerary
 N-II  Lleida-La Jonquera
 C-12  Amposta-Àger
 C-16  Barcelona-Puigcerdà
 C-17  Barcelona-Ripoll
 C-25  Cervera-Girona
 A-26  Llançà-Olot
 C-32  El Vendrell-Tordera
 C-60  Argentona-La Roca del Vallès

Public-own roads in Catalonia are either managed by the autonomous government of Catalonia (e.g.,  C-  roads) or the Spanish government (e.g.,  AP- ,  A- ,  N-  roads).

Railways

See also: Rail transport in Catalonia
High-speed train (AVE) at Camp de Tarragona

Catalonia saw the first railway construction in the Iberian Peninsula in 1848, linking Barcelona with Mataró. Given the topography, most lines radiate from Barcelona. The city has both suburban and inter-city services. The main east coast line runs through the province connecting with the SNCF (French Railways) at Portbou on the coast.

There are two publicly owned railway companies operating in Catalonia: the Catalan FGC that operates commuter and regional services, and the Spanish national Renfe that operates long-distance and high-speed rail services (AVE and Avant) and the main commuter and regional service Rodalies de Catalunya, administered by the Catalan government since 2010.

High-speed rail (AVE) services from Madrid currently reach Barcelona, via Lleida and Tarragona. The official opening between Barcelona and Madrid took place 20 February 2008. The journey between Barcelona and Madrid now takes about two-and-a-half hours. A connection to the French high-speed TGV network has been completed (called the Perpignan–Barcelona high-speed rail line) and the Spanish AVE service began commercial services on the line 9 January 2013, later offering services to Marseille on their high speed network. This was shortly followed by the commencement of commercial service by the French TGV on 17 January 2013, leading to an average travel time on the Paris-Barcelona TGV route of 7h 42m. This new line passes through Girona and Figueres with a tunnel through the Pyrenees.

Demographics

Main article: Catalan people
   Largest municipalities in Catalonia
Institut d'Estadística de Catalunya (2020)
Rank Comarca Pop. Rank Comarca Pop.
Barcelona
Barcelona
L'Hospitalet de Llobregat
L'Hospitalet de Llobregat 		1 Barcelona Barcelonès 1,664,182 11 Girona Gironès 103,369 Terrassa
Terrassa
Badalona
Badalona
2 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat Barcelonès 269,382 12 Sant Cugat del Vallès Vallès Occidental 92,977
3 Terrassa Vallès Occidental 223,627 13 Cornellà de Llobregat Baix Llobregat 89,936
4 Badalona Barcelonès 223,166 14 Sant Boi de Llobregat Baix Llobregat 84,500
5 Sabadell Vallès Occidental 216,590 15 Rubí, Barcelona Vallès Occidental 78,591
6 Lleida Segrià 140,403 16 Manresa Bages 78,246
7 Tarragona Tarragonès 136,496 17 Vilanova i la Geltrú Garraf 67,733
8 Mataró Maresme 129,661 18 Castelldefels Baix Llobregat 67,460
9 Santa Coloma de Gramenet Barcelonès 120,443 19 Viladecans Baix Llobregat 67,197
10 Reus Baix Camp 106,168 20 El Prat de Llobregat Baix Llobregat 65,385
Historical population
YearPop.±%
19001,966,382—    
19102,084,868+6.0%
19202,344,719+12.5%
19302,791,292+19.0%
19402,890,974+3.6%
19503,240,313+12.1%
19603,925,779+21.2%
19705,122,567+30.5%
19815,949,829+16.1%
19906,062,273+1.9%
20006,174,547+1.9%
20107,462,044+20.9%
20217,749,896+3.9%
20248,067,454+4.1%
Source: INE

As of 2024, the official population of Catalonia was 8.067.454. 1,194,947 residents did not have Spanish citizenship, accounting for about 16% of the population.

The Urban Region of Barcelona includes 5,217,864 people and covers an area of 2,268 km (876 sq mi). The metropolitan area of the Urban Region includes cities such as L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Sabadell, Terrassa, Badalona, Santa Coloma de Gramenet and Cornellà de Llobregat.

In 1900, the population of Catalonia was 1,966,382 people and in 1970 it was 5,122,567. The sizeable increase of the population was due to the demographic boom in Spain during the 1960s and early 1970s as well as in consequence of large-scale internal migration from the rural economically weak regions to its more prospering industrial cities. In Catalonia, that wave of internal migration arrived from several regions of Spain, especially from Andalusia, Murcia and Extremadura. As of 1999, it was estimated that over 60% of Catalans descended from 20th century migrations from other parts of Spain.

Immigrants from other countries settled in Catalonia since the 1990s; a large percentage comes from Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe, and smaller numbers from Asia and Southern Europe, often settling in urban centers such as Barcelona and industrial areas. In 2017, Catalonia had 940,497 foreign residents (11.9% of the total population) with non-Spanish ID cards, without including those who acquired Spanish citizenship.

Foreign population by country of citizenship (2018)
Nationality Population
 Romania 119,177
 Morocco 111,192
 China 59,380
 Italy 55,823
 Pakistan 45,125
 Honduras 33,728
 France 33,184
 Bolivia 30,095
 Colombia 29,853
 Ecuador 25,749
 Russia 24,224
 India 23,103
 Ukraine 22,305
 Senegal 20,828
 Peru 20,127
 United Kingdom 19,445
 Argentina 19,192
 Brazil 18,917
 Dominican Republic 18,620
 Germany 18,002
 Venezuela 16,933
 Gambia 14,209
 Paraguay 13,847
 Portugal 12,491
 Bulgaria 11,288
 Algeria 11,273
 Philippines 11,061
Foreign Population by Nationality Number %
2022
TOTAL FOREIGNERS 1,271,810
EUROPE 401,605
EUROPEAN UNION 295,896
OTHER EUROPE 105,709
AFRICA 324,260
SOUTH AMERICA 247,821
CENTRAL AMERICA 368,461
NORTH AMERICA 18,332
ASIA 184,846
OCEANIA 1,015
Instituto Nacional de Estadística

Religion

Main article: Religion in Catalonia

Religion in Catalonia (2020):

  Roman Catholicism (53.0%)  Protestantism (7.0%)  Eastern Orthodoxy (1.3%)  Jehovah's Witnesses (1.0%)  Atheism (18.6%)  Agnosticism (8.8%)  Islam (4.3%)  Other Religions (3.4%)  No answer/do not know (2.6%)

Historically, all the Catalan population was Christian, specifically Catholic, but since the 1980s there has been a trend of decline of Christianity. Nevertheless, according to the most recent study sponsored by the Government of Catalonia, as of 2020, 62.3% of the Catalans identify as Christians (up from 61.9% in 2016 and 56.5% in 2014) of whom 53.0% Catholics, 7.0% Protestants and Evangelicals, 1.3% Orthodox Christians and 1.0% Jehovah's Witnesses. At the same time, 18.6% of the population identify as atheists, 8.8% as agnostics, 4.3% as Muslims, and a further 3.4% as being of other religions.

Languages

Main article: Languages of Catalonia See also: Catalan language, Spanish language, Aranese dialect, and Catalan Sign Language
First habitual language, 2018 Demographic Survey
Language Identification language Habitual language
Spanish 2 978 000 (46.6%) 3 104 000 (48.6%)
Catalan 2 320 000 (36.3%) 2 305 000 (36.1%)
Both languages 440 000 (6.9%) 474 000 (7.4%)
Other languages 651 000 (10.2%) 504 000 (7.9%)
Arabic 114 000 (1.8%) 61 000 (0.9%)
Romanian 58 000 (0.9%) 24 000 (0.4%)
English 29 000 (0.5%) 26 000 (0.4%)
French 26 000 (0.4%) 16 000 (0.2%)
Berber 25 000 (0.4%) 20 000 (0.3%)
Chinese 20 000 (0.3%) 18 000 (0.3%)
Other languages 281 000 (4.4%) 153 000 (2.4%)
Other combinations 96 000 (1.5%) 193 000 (3.0%)
Total population 15 year old and over 6 386 000 (100.0%) 6 386 000 (100.0%)
Catalan-speaking regions of Europe

According to the linguistic census held by the Government of Catalonia in 2013, Spanish is the most spoken language in Catalonia (46.53% claim Spanish as "their own language"), followed by Catalan (37.26% claim Catalan as "their own language"). In everyday use, 11.95% of the population claim to use both languages equally, whereas 45.92% mainly use Spanish and 35.54% mainly use Catalan. There is a significant difference between the Barcelona metropolitan area (and, to a lesser extent, the Tarragona area), where Spanish is more spoken than Catalan, and the more rural and small town areas, where Catalan clearly prevails over Spanish.

Originating in the historic territory of Catalonia, Catalan has enjoyed special status since the approval of the Statute of Autonomy of 1979 which declares it to be "Catalonia's own language", a term which signifies a language given special legal status within a Spanish territory, or which is historically spoken within a given region. The other languages with official status in Catalonia are Spanish, which has official status throughout Spain, and Aranese Occitan, which is spoken in Val d'Aran.

Since the Statute of Autonomy of 1979, Aranese (a Gascon dialect of Occitan) has also been official and subject to special protection in Val d'Aran. This small area of 7,000 inhabitants was the only place where a dialect of Occitan had received full official status. Then, on 9 August 2006, when the new Statute came into force, Occitan became official throughout Catalonia. Occitan is the mother tongue of 22.4% of the population of Val d'Aran, which has attracted heavy immigration from other Spanish regions to work in the service industry. Catalan Sign Language is also officially recognised.

Although not considered an "official language" in the same way as Catalan, Spanish, and Occitan, the Catalan Sign Language, with about 18,000 users in Catalonia, is granted official recognition and support: "The public authorities shall guarantee the use of Catalan sign language and conditions of equality for deaf people who choose to use this language, which shall be the subject of education, protection and respect."

As was the case since the ascent of the Bourbon dynasty to the throne of Spain after the War of the Spanish Succession, and with the exception of the short period of the Second Spanish Republic, under Francoist Spain Catalan was banned from schools and all other official use, so that for example families were not allowed to officially register children with Catalan names. Although never completely banned, Catalan language publishing was severely restricted during the early 1940s, with only religious texts and small-run self-published texts being released. Some books were published clandestinely or circumvented the restrictions by showing publishing dates prior to 1936. This policy was changed in 1946, when restricted publishing in Catalan resumed.

Rural–urban migration originating in other parts of Spain also reduced the social use of Catalan in urban areas and increased the use of Spanish. Lately, a similar sociolinguistic phenomenon has occurred with foreign immigration. Catalan cultural activity increased in the 1960s and the teaching of Catalan began thanks to the initiative of associations such as Òmnium Cultural.

After the end of Francoist Spain, the newly established self-governing democratic institutions in Catalonia embarked on a long-term language policy to recover the use of Catalan and has, since 1983, enforced laws which attempt to protect and extend the use of Catalan. This policy, known as the "linguistic normalisation" (normalització lingüística in Catalan, normalización lingüística in Spanish) has been supported by the vast majority of Catalan political parties through the last thirty years. Some groups consider these efforts a way to discourage the use of Spanish, whereas some others, including the Catalan government and the European Union consider the policies respectful, or even as an example which "should be disseminated throughout the Union".

Fragment of the Greuges de Guirard Isarn (c. 1080–1095), one of the earliest texts written almost completely in Catalan, predating the famous Homilies d'Organyà by a century

Today, Catalan is the main language of the Catalan autonomous government and the other public institutions that fall under its jurisdiction. Basic public education is given mainly in Catalan, but also there are some hours per week of Spanish medium instruction. Although businesses are required by law to display all information (e.g. menus, posters) at least in Catalan, this not systematically enforced. There is no obligation to display this information in either Occitan or Spanish, although there is no restriction on doing so in these or other languages. The use of fines was introduced in a 1997 linguistic law that aims to increase the public use of Catalan and defend the rights of Catalan speakers. On the other hand, the Spanish Constitution does not recognize equal language rights for national minorities since it enshrined Spanish as the only official language of the state, the knowledge of which being compulsory. Numerous laws regarding for instance the labelling of pharmaceutical products, make in effect Spanish the only language of compulsory use.

The law ensures that both Catalan and Spanish – being official languages – can be used by the citizens without prejudice in all public and private activities. The Generalitat uses Catalan in its communications and notifications addressed to the general population, but citizens can also receive information from the Generalitat in Spanish if they so wish. Debates in the Catalan Parliament take place almost exclusively in Catalan and the Catalan public television broadcasts programs mainly in Catalan.

Due to the intense immigration which Spain in general and Catalonia in particular experienced in the first decade of the 21st century, many foreign languages are spoken in various cultural communities in Catalonia, of which Rif-Berber, Moroccan Arabic, Romanian and Urdu are the most common ones.

In Catalonia, there is a high social and political consensus on the language policies favoring Catalan, also among Spanish speakers and speakers of other languages. However, some of these policies have been criticised for trying to promote Catalan by imposing fines on businesses. For example, following the passage of the law on Catalan cinema in March 2010, which established that half of the movies shown in Catalan cinemas had to be in Catalan, a general strike of 75% of the cinemas took place. The Catalan government gave in and dropped the clause that forced 50% of the movies to be dubbed or subtitled in Catalan before the law came to effect. On the other hand, organisations such as Plataforma per la Llengua reported different violations of the linguistic rights of the Catalan speakers in Catalonia and the other Catalan-speaking territories in Spain, most of them caused by the institutions of the Spanish government in these territories.

The Catalan language policy has been challenged by some political parties in the Catalan Parliament. Citizens, currently the main opposition party, has been one of the most consistent critics of the Catalan language policy within Catalonia. The Catalan branch of the People's Party has a more ambiguous position on the issue: on one hand, it demands a bilingual Catalan–Spanish education and a more balanced language policy that would defend Catalan without favoring it over Spanish, whereas on the other hand, a few local PP politicians have supported in their municipalities measures privileging Catalan over Spanish and it has defended some aspects of the official language policies, sometimes against the positions of its colleagues from other parts of Spain.

Culture

Art and architecture

Main article: Art of Catalonia Left: Joan Miró. Right: Antoni Gaudí

Catalonia has given to the world many important figures in the area of the art. Catalan painters internationally known are, among others, Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró and Antoni Tàpies. Closely linked with the Catalan pictorial atmosphere, Pablo Picasso lived in Barcelona during his youth, training them as an artist and creating the movement of cubism. Other important artists are Claudi Lorenzale for the medieval Romanticism that marked the artistic Renaixença, Marià Fortuny for the Romanticism and Catalan Orientalism of the nineteenth century, Ramon Casas or Santiago Rusiñol, main representatives of the pictorial current of Catalan modernism from the end of the nineteenth century to the beginning of the twentieth century, Josep Maria Sert for early 20th-century Noucentisme, or Josep Maria Subirachs for expressionist or abstract sculpture and painting of the late twentieth century.

Left: Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Barcelona. Right: Dalí Museum, Figueres

The most important painting museums of Catalonia are the Teatre-Museu Dalí in Figueres, the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC), Picasso Museum, Fundació Antoni Tàpies, Joan Miró Foundation, the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA), the Centre of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona (CCCB), and the CaixaForum.

Rose window (Solsona Cathedral)

In the field of architecture were developed and adapted to Catalonia different artistic styles prevalent in Europe, leaving footprints in many churches, monasteries and cathedrals, of Romanesque (the best examples of which are located in the northern half of the territory) and Gothic styles. The Gothic developed in Barcelona and its area of influence is known as Catalan Gothic, with some particular characteristics. The church of Santa Maria del Mar is an example of this kind of style. During the Middle Ages, many fortified castles were built by feudal nobles to mark their powers.

There are some examples of Renaissance (such as the Palau de la Generalitat), Baroque and Neoclassical architectures. In the late nineteenth century Modernism (Art Nouveau) appeared as the national art. The world-renowned Catalan architects of this style are Antoni Gaudí, Lluís Domènech i Montaner and Josep Puig i Cadafalch. Thanks to the urban expansion of Barcelona during the last decades of the century and the first ones of the next, many buildings of the Eixample are modernists. In the field of architectural rationalism, which turned especially relevant in Catalonia during the Republican era (1931–1939) highlighting Josep Lluís Sert and Josep Torres i Clavé, members of the GATCPAC and, in contemporany architecture, Ricardo Bofill and Enric Miralles.

Monuments and World Heritage Sites

The Medieval church of Sant Climent de Taüll, located at the foothills of the Pyrenees, in the province of Lleida
Sagrada Família, Barcelona

There are several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Catalonia:

Literature

Main article: Literature of Catalonia

The oldest surviving literary use of the Catalan language is considered to be the religious text known as Homilies d'Organyà, written either in late 11th or early 12th century.

There are two historical moments of splendor of Catalan literature. The first begins with the historiographic chronicles of the 13th century (chronicles written between the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries narrating the deeds of the monarchs and leading figures of the Crown of Aragon) and the subsequent Golden Age of the 14th and 15th centuries. After that period, between the 16th and 19th centuries the Romantic historiography defined this era as the Decadència, considered as the "decadent" period in Catalan literature because of a general falling into disuse of the vernacular language in cultural contexts and lack of patronage among the nobility.

Mercè Rodoreda

The second moment of splendor began in the 19th century with the cultural and political Renaixença (Renaissance) represented by writers and poets such as Jacint Verdaguer, Víctor Català (pseudonym of Caterina Albert i Paradís), Narcís Oller, Joan Maragall and Àngel Guimerà. During the 20th century, avant-garde movements developed, initiated by the Generation of '14 (called Noucentisme in Catalonia), represented by Eugenio d'Ors, Joan Salvat-Papasseit, Josep Carner, Carles Riba, J.V. Foix and others. During the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera, the Civil War (Generation of '36) and the Francoist period, Catalan literature was maintained despite the repression against the Catalan language, being often produced in exile.

Ana María Matute

The most outstanding authors of this period are Salvador Espriu, Josep Pla, Josep Maria de Sagarra (who are considered mainly responsible for the renewal of Catalan prose), Mercè Rodoreda, Joan Oliver Sallarès or "Pere Quart", Pere Calders, Gabriel Ferrater, Manuel de Pedrolo, Agustí Bartra or Miquel Martí i Pol. In addition, several foreign writers who fought in the International Brigades, or other military units, have since recounted their experiences of fighting in their works, historical or fictional, with for example, George Orwell, in Homage to Catalonia (1938) or Claude Simon's Le Palace (1962) and Les Géorgiques (1981).

After the transition to democracy (1975–1978) and the restoration of the Generalitat (1977), literary life and the editorial market have returned to normality and literary production in Catalan is being bolstered with a number of language policies intended to protect Catalan culture. Besides the aforementioned authors, other relevant 20th-century writers of the Francoist and democracy periods include Joan Brossa, Agustí Bartra, Manuel de Pedrolo, Pere Calders or Quim Monzó.

Ana María Matute, Jaime Gil de Biedma, Manuel Vázquez Montalbán and Juan Goytisolo are among the most prominent Catalan writers in the Spanish language since the democratic restoration in Spain.

Festivals and public holidays

Main article: Traditions of Catalonia
Castell 4 de 9 amb folre i pilar by Colla Vella de Valls
Monument als castellers (Tarragona)

Castells are one of the main manifestations of Catalan popular culture. The activity consists in constructing human towers by competing colles castelleres (teams). This practice originated in Valls, on the region of the Camp de Tarragona, during the 18th century, and later it was extended to the rest of the territory, especially in the late 20th century. The tradition of els Castells i els Castellers was declared Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2010.

In main celebrations, other elements of the Catalan popular culture are also usually present: parades with gegants (giants), bigheads, stick-dancers and musicians, and the correfoc, where devils and monsters dance and spray showers of sparks using firecrackers. Another traditional celebration in Catalonia is La Patum de Berga, declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by the UNESCO on 25 November 2005.

Gegants i capgrossos during the festa major of La Seu d'Urgell

Christmas in Catalonia lasts two days, plus Christmas Eve. On the 25th, Christmas is celebrated, followed by a similar feast on the 26, called Sant Esteve (Saint Steve's Day). This allows families to visit and dine with different sectors of the extended family or get together with friends on the second day.

One of the most deeply rooted and curious Christmas traditions is the popular figure of the Tió de Nadal, consisting of an (often hollow) log with a face painted on it and often two little front legs appended, usually wearing a Catalan hat and scarf. The word has nothing to do with the Spanish word tío, meaning uncle. Tió means log in Catalan. The log is sometimes "found in the woods" (in an event staged for children) and then adopted and taken home, where it is fed and cared for during a month or so. On Christmas Day or on Christmas Eve, a game is played where children march around the house singing a song requesting the log to poop, then they hit the log with a stick, to make it poop, and lo and behold, as if through magic, it poops candy, and sometimes other small gifts. Usually, the larger or main gifts are brought by the Three Kings on 6 January, and the tió only brings small things.

A tió exhibited at Plaça Sant Jaume in Barcelona in the 2010–2011 Christmas season

Another custom is to make a pessebre (nativity scene) in the home or in shop windows, the latter sometimes competing in originality or sheer size and detail. Churches often host exhibits of numerous dioramas by nativity scene makers, or a single nativity scene they put out, and town halls generally put out a nativity scene in the central square. In Barcelona, every year, the main nativity scene is designed by different artists, and often ends up being an interesting, post-modern or conceptual and strange creation. In the home, the nativity scene often consists of strips of cork bark to represent cliffs or mountains in the background, moss as grass in the foreground, some wood chips or other as dirt, and aluminum foil for rivers and lakes. The traditional figurines often included are the three wise men on camels or horses, which are moved every day or so to go closer to the manger, a star with a long tail in the background to lead people to the spot, the annunciation with shepherds having a meal and an angel appearing (hanging from something), a washer lady washing clothes in the pond, sheep, ducks, people carrying packages on their backs, a donkey driver with a load of twigs, and atrezzo such as a starry sky, miniature towns placed in the distance, either Oriental-styled or local-looking, a bridge over the river, trees, etc.

One of the most astonishing and sui-generis figurines traditionally placed in the nativity scene, to the great glee of children, is the caganer, a person depicted in the act of defecating. This figurine is hidden in some corner of the nativity scene and the game is to detect it. Of course, churches forgo this figurine, and the main nativity scene of Barcelona, for instance, likewise does not feature it. The caganer is so popular it has, together with the tió, long been a major part of the Christmas markets, where they come in the guise of your favorite politicians or other famous people, as well as the traditional figures of a Catalan farmer. People often buy a figurine of a caganer in the guise of a famous person they are actually fond of, contrary to what one would imagine, though sometimes people buy a caganer in the guise of someone they dislike, although this means they have to look at them in the home.

Another (extended) Christmas tradition is the celebration of the Epiphany on 6 January, which is called Reis, meaning Three Kings Day. This is every important in Catalonia and the Catalan-speaking areas, and families go to watch major parades on the eve of the Epiphany, where they can greet the kings and watch them pass by in pomp and circumstance, on floats and preceded and followed by pages, musicians, dancers, etc. They often give the kings letters with their gift requests, which are collected by the pages. On the next day, the children find the gifts the three kings brought for them.

In addition to traditional local Catalan culture, traditions from other parts of Spain can be found as a result of migration from other regions, for instance the celebration of the Andalusian Feria de Abril in Catalonia.

On 28 July 2010, second only after the Canary Islands, Catalonia became another Spanish territory to forbid bullfighting. The ban, which went into effect on 1 January 2012, had originated in a popular petition supported by over 180,000 signatures.

Music and dance

Main article: Music of Catalonia
Sardana

The sardana is considered to be the most characteristic Catalan folk dance, interpreted to the rhythm of tamborí, tible and tenora (from the oboe family), trumpet, trombó (trombone), fiscorn (family of bugles) and contrabaix with three strings played by a cobla, and are danced in a circle dance. Other tunes and dances of the traditional music are the contrapàs (obsolete today), ball de bastons (the "dance of sticks"), the moixiganga, the goigs (popular songs), the galops or the jota in the southern part. The havaneres are characteristic in some marine localities of the Costa Brava, especially during the summer months when these songs are sung outdoors accompanied by a cremat of burned rum.

Art music was first developed, up to the nineteenth century and, as in much of Europe, in a liturgical setting, particularly marked by the Escolania de Montserrat. The main Western musical trends have marked these productions, medieval monodies or polyphonies, with the work of Abbot Oliba in the eleventh century or the compilation Llibre Vermell de Montserrat ("Red Book of Montserrat") from the fourteenth century. Through the Renaissance there were authors such as Pere Albert Vila, Joan Brudieu or the two Mateu Fletxa ("The Old" and "The Young"). Baroque had composers like Joan Cererols. The Romantic music was represented by composers such as Fernando Sor, Josep Anselm Clavé (father of choir movement in Catalonia and responsible of the music folk reviving) or Felip Pedrell.

Modernisme also expressed in musical terms from the end of the 19th century onwards, mixing folkloric and post-romantic influences, through the works of Isaac Albéniz and Enric Granados. The avant-garde spirit initiated by the modernists is prolonged throughout the twentieth century, thanks to the activities of the Orfeó Català, a choral society founded in 1891, with its monumental concert hall, the Palau de la Música Catalana in Catalan, built by Lluís Domènech i Montaner from 1905 to 1908, the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra created in 1944 and composers, conductors and musicians engaged against the Francoism like Robert Gerhard, Eduard Toldrà and Pau Casals.

Performances of opera, mostly imported from Italy, began in the 18th century, but some native operas were written as well, including the ones by Domènec Terradellas, Carles Baguer, Ramon Carles, Isaac Albéniz and Enric Granados. The Barcelona main opera house, Gran Teatre del Liceu (opened in 1847), remains one of the most important in Spain, hosting one of the most prestigious music schools in Barcelona, the Conservatori Superior de Música del Liceu. Several lyrical artists trained by this institution gained international renown during the 20th century, such as Victoria de los Ángeles, Montserrat Caballé, Giacomo Aragall and Josep Carreras.

Cellist Pau Casals is admired as an outstanding player. Other popular musical styles were born in the second half of the 20th century such as Nova Cançó from the 1960s with Lluís Llach and the group Els Setze Jutges, the Catalan rumba in the 1960s with Peret, Catalan Rock from the late 1970s with La Banda Trapera del Río and Decibelios for Punk Rock, Sau, Els Pets, Sopa de Cabra or Lax'n'Busto for pop rock or Sangtraït for hard rock, electropop since the 1990s with OBK and indie pop from the 1990s.

Media and cinema

Main article: Cinema of Catalonia
Logo of Televisió de Catalunya

Catalonia is the autonomous community, along with Madrid, that has the most media (TV, magazines, newspapers etc.). In Catalonia there is a wide variety of local and comarcal media. With the restoration of democracy, many newspapers and magazines, until then in the hands of the Franco government, were recovered in order to convert them into free and democratic media, while local radio and television began broadcasting.

Televisió de Catalunya, which broadcasts entirely in the Catalan language, is the main Catalan public network. It has five channels: TV3, El 33, Super3, 3/24, Esport3 and TV3CAT. In 2018, TV3 became the first television channel to be the most viewed for nine consecutive years in Catalonia. State television that broadcasts in Catalonia in the Spanish language include Televisión Española (with few emissions in Catalan), Antena 3, Cuatro, Telecinco, and La Sexta. Other smaller Catalan television channels include local television channels, notably betevé, owned by the City Council of Barcelona, and broadcast in Catalan.

The two main Catalan newspapers of general information are El Periódico de Catalunya and La Vanguardia, both with editions in Catalan and Spanish. Catalan only published newspapers include Ara and El Punt Avui (from the fusion of El Punt and Avui in 2011), as well as most part of the local press. The Spanish newspapers, such as El País, El Mundo or La Razón, can be also acquired.

Catalonia has a long tradition of use of radio, the first regular radio broadcast in the country was from Ràdio Barcelona in 1924. Today, the public Catalunya Ràdio (owned by Catalan Media Corporation) and the private RAC 1 (belonging to Grup Godó) are the two main radio stations of Catalonia, both in Catalan.

Sitges Film Festival of 2009

Regarding the cinema, after the democratic transition, three styles have dominated since then. First, auteur cinema, in the continuity of the Barcelona School, emphasizes experimentation and form, while focusing on developing social and political themes. Worn first by Josep Maria Forn or Bigas Luna, then by Marc Recha, Jaime Rosales and Albert Serra, this genre has achieved some international recognition. Then, the documentary became another genre particularly representative of contemporary Catalan cinema, boosted by Joaquim Jordà i Català and José Luis Guerín. Later, horror films and thrillers have also emerged as a specialty of the Catalan film industry, thanks in particular to the vitality of the Sitges Film Festival, created in 1968. Several directors have gained worldwide renown thanks to this genre, starting with Jaume Balagueró and his series REC (co-directed with Valencian Paco Plaza), Juan Antonio Bayona and El Orfanato or Jaume Collet-Serra with Orphan, Unknown and Non-Stop.

Catalan actors have shot for Spanish and international productions, such as Sergi López.

The Museum of Cinema - Tomàs Mallol Collection (Museu del Cinema – Col.lecció Tomàs Mallol in Catalan) of Girona is home of important permanent exhibitions of cinema and pre-cinema objects. Other important institutions for the promotion of cinema are the Gaudí Awards (Premis Gaudí in Catalan, which replaced from 2009 Barcelona Film Awards themselves created in 2002), serving as equivalent for Catalonia to the Spanish Goya or French César.

Philosophy

See also: Seny

Seny is a form of ancestral Catalan wisdom or sensibleness. It involves well-pondered perception of situations, level-headedness, awareness, integrity, and right action. Many Catalans consider seny something unique to their culture, is based on a set of ancestral local customs stemming from the scale of values and social norms of their society.

Sport

Main article: Sport in Catalonia

Sport has had a distinct importance in Catalan life and culture since the beginning of the 20th century; consequently, the region has a well-developed sports infrastructure. The main sports are football, basketball, handball, rink hockey, tennis and motorsport.

Despite the fact that the most popular sports are represented at international level by the Spanish national teams, Catalonia plays as itself in some others, such as korfball, futsal or rugby league. Various Catalan Sports Federations have a long tradition and some of them participated in the foundation of international sports federations, as the Catalan Federation of Rugby, that was one of the founder members of the Fédération Internationale de Rugby Amateur (FIRA) in 1934. The majority of Catalan sport federations are part of the Sports Federation Union of Catalonia (Catalan: Unió de Federacions Esportives de Catalunya), founded in 1933. The presence of Catalan. The presence of separate Catalan teams has caused disputes with Spanish sports institutions, as happened to roller hockey in the Fresno Case (2004).

The Catalan Football Federation also periodically fields a national team against international opposition, organizing friendly matches. In the recent years they have played with Bulgaria, Argentina, Brazil, Basque Country, Colombia, Nigeria, Cape Verde and Tunisia. The biggest football clubs are Barcelona (also known as Barça), who have won five European Cups (UEFA Champions League), and Espanyol, who have twice been runner-up of the UEFA Cup (now UEFA Europa League). As of December 2024, Barça, Espanyol and Girona FC play in the top Spanish League (La Liga).

The Catalan waterpolo is one of the main powers of the Iberian Peninsula. The Catalans won triumphs in waterpolo competitions at European and world level by club (the Barcelona was champion of Europe in 1981/82 and the Catalonia in 1994/95) and national team (one gold and one silver in Olympic Games and World Championships). It also has many international synchronized swimming champions.

Motorsport has a long tradition in Catalonia, which involving many people, with some world champions and several competitions organized since the beginning of the 20th century. The Circuit de Catalunya, built in 1991, is one of the main motorsport venues, holding the Catalan motorcycle Grand Prix, the Spanish F1 Grand Prix, a DTM race, and several other races.

Catalonia hosted many relevant international sport events, such as the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, as well as the 1955 Mediterranean Games, the 2013 World Aquatics Championships or the 2018 Mediterranean Games. It held annually the fourth-oldest still-existing cycling stage race in the world, the Volta a Catalunya (Tour of Catalonia).

Symbols

Main article: National symbols of Catalonia
Flag of Catalonia

Catalonia has its own representative and distinctive national symbols such as:

  • The flag of Catalonia, called the Senyera, is a vexillological symbol based on the heraldic emblem of Counts of Barcelona and the coat of arms of the Crown of Aragon, which consists of four red stripes on a golden background. It has been an official symbol since the Statute of Catalonia of 1932.
  • The National Day of Catalonia is on 11 September, and it is commonly called la Diada. It commemorates the 1714 siege of Barcelona defeat during the War of the Spanish Succession.
  • The national anthem of Catalonia is Els Segadors and was written in its present form by Emili Guanyavents in 1899. The song is official by law from 25 February 1993. It is based on the events of 1639 and 1640 during the Catalan Revolt.
  • St George's Day (Diada de Sant Jordi) is widely celebrated in all the towns of Catalonia on 23 April, and includes an exchange of books and roses between couples or family members.

Cuisine

Main article: Catalan cuisine
Pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato)

Catalan gastronomy has a long culinary tradition. Various local food recipes have been described in documents dating from the fifteenth century. As with all the cuisines of the Mediterranean, Catatonian dishes make abundant use of fish, seafood, olive oil, bread and vegetables. Regional specialties include the pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato), which consists of bread (sometimes toasted), and tomato seasoned with olive oil and salt. Often the dish is accompanied with any number of sausages (cured botifarres, fuet, iberic ham, etc.), ham or cheeses. Others dishes include the calçotada, escudella i carn d'olla, suquet de peix (fish stew), and a dessert, Catalan cream.

Catalan vineyards also have several Denominacions d'Origen wines, such as: Priorat, Montsant, Penedès and Empordà. There is also a sparkling wine, the cava.

Catalonia is internationally recognized for its fine dining. Three of the World's 50 Best Restaurants are in Catalonia, and four restaurants have three Michelin stars, including restaurants like El Bulli or El Celler de Can Roca, both of which regularly dominate international rankings of restaurants. The region has been awarded the European Region of Gastronomy title for the year 2016.

Twinning and covenants

See also

Notes

  1. As "the official language of the State", according with the Spanish Constitution.
  2. Catalan and Occitan (Aranese in Aran) are the languages of Catalonia and Aran (respectively) and official languages of the autonomous community of Catalonia according with its Statute of Autonomy.
  3. LSC was officially recognized as one of Catalonia's official languages on 3 June 2010 when Law 17/2010 of the Catalan Sign Language (LSC) was approved by the government.
  4. In addition to the legal definition as a nationality, Catalonia is also defined as a nation in the preamble of its 2006 Statute of Autonomy, although it was rejected by the Constitutional Court of Spain in 2010, which declared this definition without legal force. However, the definition was not modified nor suppressed, thus remaining in the text.
  5. Puigdemont is still wanted by the government in Madrid.

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 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Catalonia". Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.

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