Questions around nationhood, tax autonomy, international representation and policy powers are at the heart of Sunday’s violence-marred independence referendum in Catalonia, Spain’s wealthiest region. Below please find brief description of how Catalonia compares with other regions with separatist leanings. CATALONIA NATIONHOOD: A historic principality that became part of a united Spanish kingdom in the 15th century, it is one of 17 autonomous regions under Spain’s devolved political system created after the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. It has its own government, presidency, and parliament. The statute ... (full story)