The anglicised name for Cataluña (Spanish) or Catalunya (Catalan), a region in the north-east of Spain the capital of which is Barcelona. Catalonia is a prosperous region which is seeking more autonomy. Its people are hard-working and scornful of all things not Catalonian. Catalonia borders the Mediterranean and backs up to the French border in the north. Its cuisine bears some resemblance to that of Provence with seafood dominating. Fish stews called zarzuelas, similar to bouillabaise, are produced and allioli, the Catalan version of aïoli accompanies it. Sauces are often thickened with ground nuts. Away from the sea, hearty soups of beans and sausage are served. A lot of fruit grows there with peaches and apricots in abundance.
