President of Catalonia signed decree to hold independence referendum on 9 November

Spanish region Catalonia on 27 September 2014 announced to hold independence referendum on 9 November 2014. 

The President of Catalonia Artur Mas signed a decree calling for a Scottish style referendum on independence. Earlier on 19 September 2014, Catalonian lawmakers voted by a margin of 106 to 28 in favour of authorising the referendum.

However, Spain quickly denounced the move and called the plan unconstitutional. It repeatedly insists that any regional vote on independence would be illegal, pointing out that the country's 1978 constitution means major questions must be put to all Spaniards and that only they can call a referendum.

On the other hand, Mas said he can use local laws to hold the vote and asserts that the non-binding nature of its regional vote allows it to take place within the legal confines of the constitution.

Catalonia is one of Spain's richest and most highly industrialised regions, and also one of the most independent-minded.  It includes Barcelona.

About Catalonia

Catalonia is an autonomous community of Spain, designated a nationality by its Statute of Autonomy. The official languages are Spanish, Catalan, and Aranese.

Catalonia comprises four provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona. The capital and largest city is Barcelona, the second largest city in Spain, and the centre of one of the largest metropolitan areas in Europe.

It comprises most of the territory of the former Principality of Catalonia, with the remainder now part of France.

Catalonia is bordered by France and Andorra to the north, the Mediterranean Sea to the east, and the Spanish regions of Aragon and the Valencian Community to west and south respectively.