With an area of 32,106 square kilometres and a population of 7.4 million, Catalonia represents 6.3% of the Spanish territory and 16% of the Spanish population.
Catalonia's population is similar to those of countries like Denmark, Bulgaria and Austria.
Its GDP is greater than Ireland's and Finland's and similar to those of Denmark or Austria. At €28,095 / year, Catalan GDP per capita is above the European average (EU-25) and on a par with those of France and Germany.
It exports more than Portugal and the Slovak Republic and about as much as Finland and Hungary.
Strategically located in the Mediterranean and well communicated, Catalonia is an ideal launching pad for entry into the markets in Europe, Latin America, North Africa and the Middle East.
Barcelona is one of the main ports in Southern Europe specialized in general cargo and goods with high added value and leader on the Mediterranean in traffic of vehicles. It is the top cruise-ship destination on the Mediterranean and second in the world. (2,075,000 people on cruise ships in 2008). All modes of transport are available within a radius of 5 km of the Port.
Barcelona'snew airport has direct flights to cities in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. It ranks 9th busiest among European airports, connects the city to 150 destinations and was named best European cargo airport in 2009. Facilities are currently used by more than 32 M passengers. A third runway and a new terminal area will increase traffic by up to 55 M passengers and 70 M when an additional satellite building is operational.
The geography of Catalonia is rich and varied. The coastal zone and inland valleys and mountains make it possible to enjoy leisure activities all year round. Fifteen million foreign tourists visit Catalonia every year, which represents one quarter of those who visit Spain, the third most visited country in the world.
Barcelona receives five million foreign visitors a year, which makes it the fourth most visited city in Europe.
Catalonia has always been known for its intense business activity. Commercial and industrial companies stand out for being active, innovative, open and competitive.
Catalonia's figures in terms of GDP, business and exports are the highest in Spain. Catalan GDP accounts for almost 20% of Spanish GDP. Catalan industry accounts for one fourth of all Spanish industry.
Diversification of production has a clear effect in terms of competition, given that the extensive portfolio of suppliers guarantees the supply of materials at very competitive prices, thus ensuring the efficiency of Catalan production. In the services sector, company-oriented services occupy an important position in Catalonia and open up a wide range of possibilities for services companies.
More than 3,300 foreign companies are currently operating in Catalonia. Catalan exports represent almost 30% of all Spanish exports.
Catalonia organizes its own self-government and has been granted the power to manage different areas such as education, social affairs, transportation, economic policy and commerce. The Catalan government is also responsible for the construction of public institutions such as hospitals, primary and secondary schools and universities.
The government has traditionally been close, open and responsive to companies' needs. Catalonia has been a pioneering region in attracting foreign investment in Spain. The policy to attract foreign investment began in 1985 and has played a key role in the Catalan economy. Invest in Catalonia - ACC1Ó now belongs to the Ministry of Innovation, Universities and Enterprise Department of the Catalan Government, and its mission is to promote business investments in Catalonia.
Updated 14/6/2010
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