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Catalonia is an autonomous region of Spain located in the extreme NE corner of the country. The capital and largest city is Barcelona, the second-most populated municipality in Spain and the seventh most populous urban area in the European Union. A Catalonian independence movement has existed since 1922. On 10/1/2017, an independence referendum was held with the overwhelming majority voting to separate from Spain. The Government of Spain opposed the self-determination referendum and attempted to violently suppress voting at polling locations throughout the region.
Demonstrations related to the political situation in Catalonia are expected to continue to take place in Barcelona, Madrid, and in other locations across Spain in the coming days and weeks.
If you, a family member or colleague are planning to visit Spain in the near future, it would be wise to thoroughly consider safety and security prior to travel. If asked about your opinion on the self-determination movement, the wisest response is that you are a guest in the country and that it would be highly inappropriate to comment. In short, stay out of the debate, listen and learn.
Read the State Department advisory here:
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