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[[Image:Catalonia.gif|right]]

[[Image:Catalonia.gif|right]]

'''Catalonia''' (Catalan: ''Catalunya'') is a self-governing province of north-western [[Spain]]. The administrative capital is [[Barcelona]]. Catalonia is based on the medieval kingdom of [[Aragon]] that merged into a united Spain on the marriage of [[Ferdinand and Isabella]].  

'''Catalonia''' (Catalan: ''Catalunya'') is a self-governing region of north-western [[Spain]]. The administrative capital is [[Barcelona]]. Catalonia is based on the medieval kingdom of [[Aragon]] that merged into a united Spain on the marriage of [[Ferdinand and Isabella]].  

Brief independence during the [[Spanish Civil War]] of 1936-39 was ended by the victory of General [[Francisco Franco]] in 1939. Barcelona during the Civil War is notably described in George Orwell's memoir ''Homage to Catalonia''.  Catalonia has experienced a relatively high level of ETA activity.  The State Department recognizes the [[ETA]] as a terrorist group.<ref>http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2011/03/158808.htm</ref>   

Brief independence during the [[Spanish Civil War]] of 1936-39 was ended by the victory of General [[Francisco Franco]] in 1939. Barcelona during the Civil War is notably described in George Orwell's memoir ''Homage to Catalonia''.  Catalonia has experienced a relatively high level of ETA activity.  The State Department recognizes the [[ETA]] as a terrorist group.<ref>http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2011/03/158808.htm</ref>   

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[[Category:Spain]]

[[Category:Regions of Spain]]