In September 2015, Spain’s Catalonia saw pro-independence parties secure a majority
in the regional elections.
This is big news for Catalonia, which has demanded its full independence from Spain
for decades.
As an already distinct and self reliant region, we wanted to know, just how powerful is Catalonia?
Well, Catalonia is an autonomous community within Spain.
Although they are still technically under Spanish rule, they have their own government
which includes a President and Parliament.
More importantly, they have their own culturally distinct identity, and even their own language:
Catalan.
Catalonia makes up about 12 and a half thousand square miles, comprising roughly 6 percent
of Spain.
Their population is about 7.5 million, with one in six Spanish residents living in Catalonia.
The capital, Barcelona, is the second most populous city, after Spain’s capital, Madrid.
This relatively small subsection of the country is actually one of its most industrialized.
In 2012, the autonomous region brought in 255 billion dollars, nearly 20% of Spain’s
total GDP.
This would rank them roughly 42nd worldwide, right between Chile and Pakistan.
The reason for such a strong financial presence is that Barcelona is a massive economic hub
for the European Union.
Their industrial sector is primarily based on food and beverages, chemical production,
biopharmaceuticals, and medical technology.
The capital is also an important tourist destination, with one in four tourists in Spain visiting
Catalonia.
Beach resorts, fine dining, and famous art by Salvador Dali and architect Antoni Gaudi
contribute greatly to Catalonia’s popularity.
But although Catalonia is an economically and culturally significant force seeking independence,
they do lack one of the most important aspects of being a sovereign nation: a military.
Because Catalonia is still beholden to Spain, any Catalan soldiers are inherently loyal
to Spanish interests.
Although Spain’s military only ranks about 48th worldwide, they have more than enough
stopping power to invade and dominate Catalonia.
Some have said that if Catalonia were to secede, Spain could easily consider it illegal and
send troops into the region to defend “territorial integrity.”
Like many other subjugated peoples living in what they consider to be foreign territory,
Catalonia is in a tough position.
While they may have a strong enough culture and economy to survive on their own, Spain
has a dedicated interest and ability to prevent them from seeking independence.
Since a fifth of Spain’s economy is localized in Catalonia, there is little surprise that
this is one golden goose they’re unwilling to let go.
Still, with such a pro-independent government and its people, it seems to be only a matter
of time until those tensions are resolved peacefully.
Or, like many other nations, Catalonia may be facing a violent revolution for sovereignty.
Interested in learning more about why Catalonia has been seeking independence from Spain?
Check out Seeker Daily’s video.
Thanks for watching TestTube!
Don’t forget to like and subscribe down below.
We’ll see you next time!