People often get confused when they hear Spain and Catalonia and use the terms interchangeably. Spain is a European country situated in the southwest of Europe. Madrid is the capital of Spain.
It has many autonomous bodies, and it is estimated to have 17 autonomous bodies. Out of those 17 autonomous bodies, one such body is Catalonia. Catalonia is a part of Spain with four provinces. Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia.
Key Differences
Spain
- Spain is known to be the fourth largest country in Europe.
- It is a sovereign state with 17 autonomous bodies and 50 provinces.
- It has an area of 505,935 sq. km or 195,342 sq. miles.
- It has a population of 47,323,000 people.
- Madrid is the capital city of Spain.
Catalonia
- Catalonia is one of the autonomous bodies of Spain.
- It has 4 provinces namely Barcelona, Tarragona, Girona, and Lleida.
- It has an area of 32,114 sq. km or 19,994 sq. miles.
- It has a population of 7,522,596.
- Barcelona is the capital city of Catalonia.
Comparison Between Spain And Catalonia
| Parameter | Spain | Catalonia |
|---|---|---|
| Area | Spain has an area of 505,935 sq. km. | Catalonia has an area of 32,114 sq. km. |
| Population | It has a population of 47,323,000. | It has a population of 7,522,596. |
| Capital City | Its capital city is Madrid. | Its capital city is Barcelona. |
| Official Language | Its official language is Spanish. | Its official language is Catalan, Spanish, and Occitan. |
| National Anthem | Its national anthem is La Marcha. | Its national anthem is Els Segadors. |
| National Animal | Its national animal is the Bull. | Its national animal is Catalan Donkey. |
| National Day | October12 is celebrated as its National Day. | September11, is celebrated as its National Day. |
| Fun Fact | Spain is home to the world’s first ever novel. | The famous Spanish Bull Fighting is banned in Catalonia. |
Major Differences Between Spain And Catalonia
What exactly is Spain?
Spain is a sovereign country situated in the South West of Europe. It is known to be the fourth largest country in Europe.
The autonomous bodies of Spain are Andalusia, Aragon, Asturias, Balearic Islands, Basque Country, Canary Islands, Cantabria, Castile and Leon, Castilla La Mancha, Catalonia, Community of Madrid, Extremadura, Galicia, La Rioja, Navarre, Region of Murcia, Valencian Community.
Features of Spain
- Spain is a sovereign country with 17 autonomous bodies.
- It is the fourth largest country in Europe, with an area of 505,935 sq. km or 195,342 sq. miles.
- It has a population of 47,323,000 people.
- The second most spoken language in the world, i.e., Spanish, is the official language of Spain.
- A constitutional Monarchy form of government prevails in Spain.
- La Marcha Real is the national anthem of Spain.
- Its capital city is Madrid.
- Its national bird is the Spanish Imperial Eagle, and its national animal is the Bull.
- Did you know the first ever novel was written in Spanish?
- Spain is the home to the world’s famous festivals known as La Tomatina and San Fermin.
What exactly is Catalonia?
Catalonia is an autonomous community of Spain. It has four provinces, namely Barcelona, Lleida, Girona, and Tarragona.
Features of Catalonia
- Catalonia is an autonomous community of Spain.
- It has an area of 32,114 sq. km or 19,994 sq. miles. With a population of 7,552,596.
- Spanish, Catalan, and Occitan are the official languages of Catalonia.
- Els Segadors is the national anthem of Catalonia.
- Its capital city is Barcelona.
- Its animal is known to be the Catalan Donkey.
- While Spain is famous for Bull Fighting, Catalonia is famous for human towers or castells.
- The famous Spanish bullfighting is banned in Catalonia.
- September 11 is known as Catalonia day and is a national holiday.
Contrast Between Spain And Catalonia
Origin of The Word
- Spain – The word Spain originated from the Roman word “Hispania.”
- Catalonia – The word Catalonia originated from the medieval term “Castellan.”
Flag
Spain – Image example of the flag of Spain
Catalonia – Image Example of the flag of Catalonia
Meaning
- Spain – Spain is the fourth largest European country with 17 autonomous bodies.
- Catalonia – Catalonia is one of the 17 autonomous communities of Spain.
Area
- Spain – Spain, with an area of 505,935 sq. km. is larger in area than Catalonia.
- Catalonia – Catalonia, with an area of 32,114 sq. km. is smaller in area than Spain.
Population
- Spain – A population of 47,323,000, prevails in Spain.
- Catalonia – A population of 7,552,596 prevails in Catalonia.
Official Language
- Spain – The official language of Spain is Spanish.
- Catalonia – The official language of Catalonia is Catalan, Spanish, and Occitan.
Capital
- Spain – Its capital city is Madrid.
- Catalonia – Its capital city is Barcelona.
Neighbors
- Spain – France, the Great wall of the Pyrenees Mountains, the Principality of Andorra, and Portugal are the neighbors of Spain.
- Catalonia – Mediterranean Sea, Valencia, Aragon (another autonomous community), and France are the neighbors of Catalonia.
National Anthem
- Spain – La Marcha is the national anthem of Spain.
- Catalonia – Els Segadors is the national anthem of Catalonia.
National Animal
- Spain – Bull is the national animal of Spain.
- Catalonia – Catalan Donkey, is the national animal of Catalonia.
National Day-
- Spain – October 12 is a national holiday in Spain.
- Catalonia – September 11 is a national holiday in Catalonia.
Famous Festivals
- Spain – La Tomatina and San Fermin are famous festivals in Spain.
- Catalonia – Valencia Day
Conclusion
Spain is a sovereign state with seventeen autonomous communities. Catalonia is one such autonomous community, and that is the major difference between Spain and Catalonia.
Spain is very much bigger, area and population-wise than Catalonia. Spain has Spanish as its official language, whereas Catalonia has Catalan, Spanish, and Occitan as its national languages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are the other autonomous communities of Spain apart from Catalonia?
The other autonomous bodies of Spain except Catalonia are Andalusia, Aragon, Asturias, Balearic Islands, Basque Country, Canary Islands, Cantabria, Castile and Leon, Castilla La Mancha, Community of Madrid, Extremadura, Galicia, La Rioja, Navarre, Region of Murcia, Valencian Community.
Q2. What are the capital cities of Spain and Catalonia?
Madrid is the capital city of Spain, and Barcelona is the capital city of Catalonia.
Q3. What are the major differences between Spain and Catalonia?
The major differences between Spain and Catalonia are –
1. Spain is a sovereign state, whereas Catalonia is an autonomous body.
2. Spain’s national day is celebrated on October 12, whereas Catalonia’s national day is celebrated on September 11.
3. Spain has more area and population than Catalonia.
Similar Posts:
- 20+ Differences Between Latin And Spanish (Explained)
- 20+ Differences Between Australia And New Zealand (Explained)
- 20+ Differences Between Canada and USA (Explained)
- 20+ Differences Between Hispanics And Latinos (Explained)
- 21+ Differences Between Saudi Arabia And UAE (Explained)
“Business, marketing, and blogging – these three words describe me the best. I am the founder of Burban Branding and Media, and a self-taught marketer with 10 years of experience. My passion lies in helping startups enhance their business through marketing, HR, leadership, and finance. I am on a mission to assist businesses in achieving their goals.”