'Catalanism' promotes differences from rest of SpainCatalonia has promoted its language and popular culture since the 1980s, cultivating a sense that it is different from the rest of Spain which has now turned to separatism.
Thousands of Catalans demand snap regional voteThousands of pro-independence Catalans rallied, demanding snap elections after the region's leader Artus Mas watered down plans for a referendum on separating from Spain.
Catalans defy Spanish court in independence duelCatalan leaders forged ahead for a vote on independence, defying a court challenge by the national government in their bid to redraw the map of Spain.
Scotland votes on independence from BritainScotland voted in an epic independence referendum that could break up the centuries-old United Kingdom and create Europe's newest state.