 Catalonia is an autonomous nation in the
north-east corner of Spain with a population of just over 6 million. Part
of Spain since 1714, it retains many of its national characteristics, most
notably the Catalan language which has survived successive attempts to restrict
its use. Since the restoration of democracy in Spain in 1976 and of the
Generalitat de Catalunya (Catalan Government), Catalonia has thrived, exercising
its traditional role as one of the motors of the Spanish economy. More recently,
the Olympic Games of 1992 brought the city of Barcelona, and Catalonia as
a whole to the world's attention.
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