Catalan Independence - Focus On The Region

BELLAGUARDA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 24: A woman walks down a narrow street as cats gather on October 24, 2017 in Bellaguarda, Spain. Catalonia is one of 17 autonomous communities within Spain which were created as part of the 1978 Spanish constitution, following the death of former Head of State Francisco Franco. The farthest Northeastern region of Spain has its own language and a rich history dating back to the middle ages. Under Franco the use of the Catalan language was restricted and Catalan nationalism was repressed. On October 1, 2017 a Catalan independence referendum, declared illegal by the Spanish government, was held. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has said the government will now strip Catalonia of its autonomy after President Carles Puigdemont signed an independence declaration. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)