Catalonia is an autonomous community in Spain. Its capital is Barcelona. It was united at the end of the 15th century with the Kingdom of Aragon and the Kingdom of Castile and is part of modern Spain. The inhabitants of the region are mostly ethnic Catalans, with a unique linguistic, cultural and historical heritage. Despite belonging to Spain, throughout the history of the region, the residents had separatist aspirations
On 9 November 2014, a non-binding 2014 Catalan self-determination referendum was held. After the Spanish Government refused to allow a binding referendum, pro-independence parties called for the 2015 Catalan regional election to be considered a Plebiscite, with the promise to declare independence in 18 months. Pro-independence parties earned a majority in the Parliament
