Hours after 2 million citizens in the Catalonia region voted overwhelmingly in a controversial, chaotic referendum to declare independence from Spain, the secessionist leaders here planned an emerg… ...

Catalonia has had its own regional government since the Spanish Constitution was signed in 1978. Prior to that there had been autonomous rule in the 13th, 17th and 20th centuries.

Where is Catalonia, Spain on the map? Google Maps Why is Catalonia seeking independence? Catalonia, which is Spain’s richest region, has a distinct cultural heritage and language.