Can Spain’s economy survive a Catalan secession? | News

Catalonia, whose leaders are pushing for a split from Spain in a banned referendum on Sunday, is one of the powerhouses of the Spanish economy.  The region, in the northeast of Spain, is buoyed by industry, research and tourism – but burdened with a heavy debt. Catalonia accounted for 19 percent of Spain’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) last year, rivaling Madrid for the distinction of being the