The nationalist Convergence and Union coalition wants a burqa ban and to make future immigrants take Catalan-language tests.

ECONOMIST: Spain and immigration

Catalonia has its own flag and language -- Catalan -- and various analysts say the economic crisis has brought long-simmering nationalist sentiment to the forefront.

CNN: Ruling party in Catalonia region loses seats in parliament

Quim Monzo is the best-selling author in the Catalan language.

BBC: Sense of the City: Barcelona