The Catalan Countries are the territories that constitute the catalan nation east of the Iberian Peninsula, as well as the Balearic Islands, the Roselló Plain and Alguer city. Catalan is the language spoken by the Catalan people. The Catalan flag, also known as SenyeraSenyera, has four red bars on a yellow background.

he Catalan Countries are currently divided between four states: Andorra, Spain, France and Italy. Of these four, only Andorra is a Catalan state, despite the strong influence of the neighboring states, which are bigger and more populated. In the others, the status of the Catalan People differs according to the administration. But across all of them, the Catalan people suffer a loss of opportunities and dignity compared to nations with their own states. Spain has an important role as the state that administers the majority of the Catalan nation. It has exerted its authority violently since the loss of Catalan rights in the Succession War against the Bourbons (1707 - 1714). Spain has fragmented the Catalan nation at many levels (territorial, linguistic, cultural and economic) and has criminalized the Catalan identity. Like Spain, France is also responsible for the dismemberment of the national structure of the Catalan People.

At the cultural level, the Catalan Countries have been a cradle for artists that have revolutionize the world in different areas. Catalan musicians form an extensive list with a great variety of sytles: Pau Casals, Ovidi Montllor, Pascal Comelade and Antònia Font are good examples. Prominent painters such as Joan Miró, Miquel Barceló, Joan Brossa or Antoni Tàpies have made important contributions to contemporary art. Thinkers from Ramon Llull to Joan Fuster have constructed a modern, sophisticated understanding of the Catalan identity. Scientists, architects, educators and writers have also had distinguished careers worldwide. These leaders, together with the societies that have received them, have made the catalan culture into the pillar of a country.

The Catalan people have succeeded in integrating elements of traditional culture (some of which have UNESCO world heritage status) with contemporary cultural activities. These have generated pride, and a desire of maintain the identity of the Catalan People, preserving its roots, traditions and language as is the right of any other democratic and free nation