22/12/2017
Catalonia crisis in 300 words
Supporters of Catalan independence in Barcelona
Catalonia's drive for independence has plunged Spain into its biggest political crisis for 40 years.
On 21 December pro-independence parties won a narrow majority in a Catalan election that Spain had called in the hope of ending the crisis. So independence remains a possibility.
What is Catalonia?
Catalonia is a semi-autonomous region in north-east Spain with a distinct history dating back almost 1,000 years.
The wealthy region has about 7.5 million people, with their own language, parliament, flag and anthem. Catalonia also has its own police force and controls some of its public services.
Why the controversy?
Catalan nationalists have long complained that their region sends too much money to poorer parts of Spain, as taxes are controlled by Madrid.
They also say Spain's changes to their autonomous status in 2010 undermined Catalan identity.
In a referendum on 1 October, declared illegal by Spain's Constitutional Court, about 90% of Catalan voters backed independence. But turnout was only 43%.
There were clashes when Spanish national police tried to prevent people voting.
Pie chart showing more people didn't vote in the referendum than voted in favour of independence
The ruling separatists in the Catalan parliament then declared independence on 27 October.
Angered by that, Madrid imposed direct rule by invoking Article 155 of the constitution - a first for Spain.
The Spanish government sacked the Catalan leaders, dissolved parliament and called a snap regional election on 21 December.
Catalan President Carles Puigdemont fled to Belgium but is wanted in Spain accused of rebellion, as are four who fled with him. Two of his ex-ministers are in prison in Spain.
Why does the crisis matter?
Thousands of businesses have scaled down their operations in Catalonia.
The crisis is being watched nervously by other European states with strong nationalist movements.
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