Catalonia (Spanish: Cataluña, Catalan: Catalunya) is an autonomous community in northeastern Spain. It is bordered by France and Andorra to the north, the Mediterranean Sea to the east, the Valencian Community to the south, and Aragon to the west. Its capital and largest city is Barcelona, the second-most populated municipality in Spain and the core of the fifth most populous urban area in the European Union.
Catalonia covers an area of 32,108 square kilometers (12,397 square miles), and has a population of about 7.5 million people. It is a culturally distinct region with its own history, language (Catalan), cuisine, traditions, and even a noted independence movement.
The region is highly industrialized and urbanized, which makes it one of the richest and most developed regions in Europe. The Catalan economy represents about one-fifth of Spain's total GDP. It particularly excels in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, telecommunications, vehicles, and food and beverages.
In terms of geography, Catalonia is diverse. It offers everything from beautiful Mediterranean beaches to the scenic Pyrenees mountains. The region also attracts a high number of tourists each year, with sites like the surreal architecture of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona or the stunning monastery of Montserrat.
Catalonia has a rich cultural heritage, with a history dating back to ancient Roman times. This is consistent in its many historic buildings, monuments, and archaeological sites. The region is also known for the famous traditional festival "La Mercè" and the human towers, or 'Castellers'.
However, in recent years, Catalonia has been characterized by a strong separatist movement. There is a significant portion of the population advocating for Catalonia's independence from Spain, which has occasionally resulted in political tension and street protests.
