Why the Catalonia referendum has shaken up Spain

The Catalonia referendum has shaken up Spain with separatists claiming that 90% of the voters were for the prosperous region to part ways with Spain. The Catalan parliament is slated to debate the matter today, amid pressure to not go ahead with the declaration of independence. Here's what you need to know about the region's quest for independence.

THE TINY REGION HAS A FLAG & MINI EMBASSIES...

Catalonia has its own flag and parliament, a police force, the Mossos d'Esquadra, and a broadcast regulator. It even has a series of foreign "missions" — mini embassies — that promote trade and investment in several countries, such as in US, UK, Germany and France.

...BUT WILL STRUGGLE FOR RECOGNITION

Catalonia would automatically have to leave European Union; that would bring its GDP down by 25% to 30% and double the unemployment rate, say experts. It would also struggle to get official recognition from other countries. As of now Catalonia contributes 21% of Spain's total tax receipts but gets back far less. Separatists say they won't have to face this "fiscal deficit" on leaving.

HOW THE NUMBERS STACK UP FOR CATALONIA



WHAT SPAIN COULD LOSE?

1. Several large firms have headquarters in Catalonia and the region has around half of all of Spain's chemical production

2. In 2016, Catalonia was the second largest car producer in Spain

3. The region has many cutting-edge hospitals and research centres; and is known as a leader in the pharmaceutical sector


WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO FC BARCA?
The iconic Catalan club faces possibility of an exit from La Liga, the Spanish football league. There is talk of a possible move to the English Premier League (EPL), but experts believe chances of that are low.