Where is Catalonia?
Spain is divided into 17 autonomous regions, of which Catalonia is one. The regions each have their own parliament. The autonomous region handles policing and some health and education policies, but Spain runs key areas like taxes, defence and ports.
There are 7.5 million residents in Catalonia, which is one of the richest regions in Spain.
Catalonia is poised to declare itself an independent state from the Kingdom of Spain. The declaration of independence is expected to lead to further unrest after nearly 900 people were injured by police during Sunday’s ballot that Madrid said was illegal. It was amidst this turmoil that Barcelona played to an empty stadium in support of the cause. Barcelona is located in Catalonia.
Why does Catalonia want independence?
The political movement began in 1922 when FrancescMacià  founded EstatCatalà  (Catalan State).The modern independence movement began when the 2006 Statute of Autonomy, which had been agreed with the Spanish government and passed by a referendum in Catalonia, was challenged in the Spanish High Court of Justice.
The economic crisis between 2008-2013 also sowed the seeds of discontent, with many Catalans feeling they could do better on their own.The financial crisis led to rising unemployment and debt in the country, which irked independence supporters who believed Madrid was responsible for the crisis and that Catalonia was paying more taxes to bolster Spain’s poorer regions than it was getting in return.
Ahead of the referendum vote, 14 Catalan government officials were arrested, police raided headquarters looking for ballots and ballot boxes and referendum websites were blocked.UN human rights experts say that amounts to a violation of human rights.
A referendum is an exercise where citizens vote to show whether they independence or not.
What happens next?
The Catalan government has said it will make a unilateral declaration of independence from Spain within 48 hours of a victory for the yes campaign. With no minimum turnout threshold for the referendum and 90% of voters apparently in favour of independence, it is expected to make the declaration this week.
The Spanish prime minister, Mariano Rajoy has suggested taking over the Catalian state with heavy intervention if it goes ahead with its independence demands. The region is heading for a rough time.
Let’s hope for the victory of democracy in this turbulent region.
