l A modern country l Communications | An enterprising country l A well-prepared country |

l The economy l Culture and Sport l A touristic country |

Situation

Catalonia is in the east of the Iberian peninsula on the Mediterranean coast. This privileged position means that Catalans enjoy a temperate and pleasant climate most of the year and this climate makes a large contribution to the high quality of life of its citizens.

There are many variants of this climate, from the Pyrenean districts suitable for winter skiing to the summer beaches. The division of the country into 41 comarques, or districts, is not merely an administrative one, but is a reflection of the country’s great geographical diversity.

Catalonia forms part of Spain and the European Union. Thanks to its geographical position it is the gateway between the peoples of the peninsula and the rest of Europe.

Catalans are a European people who are very conscious of the importance of the European Union and of their role within it. For this reason, Catalonia has been a driving force in the Assembly of European Regions and the Committee of the Regions. Catalonia has also been a driving force behind the coordination group involving three other regions known as the Four Motors of Europe and forms part of a Euroregion together with Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées.

This Euroregion brings together the Catalans on both sides of the Franco-Spanish border. Four Motors of Europe, meanwhile, is a coordinating body with the Italian region of Lombardia, the German land of Baden-Württemberg and the French region of Rhône- Alpes. Together with Catalonia, these four areas represent the most active industrial and commercial nuclei of their respective states.

l Catalonia: a land of reference l