Spanish 1776: Catalonia on Brink of Declaring Independence

A new European nation between Spain and France?

Catalonia, a region of northeastern Spain, will declare immediate independence if voters approve a referendum in October.

The autonomous area best known for the city of Barcelona is controlled by those seeking to forge a new nation separate from Spain.

“If the majority of votes are for creating a Catalan republic, obviously independence will have to be declared immediately,” said Gabriela Serra, a member of the independence coalition governing Catalonia.

Catalonia has always had its own distinctive culture and language (Catalan) – and sovereign nations are defined by their homogenous identities.

The region was once a principality with its own laws and customs that flourished until power over the Iberian peninsula was centralized by the Spanish crown.

But to gain independence again, Catalonia must overcome several challenges since the upcoming referendum was not approved by Spain.

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