Both the Basques (denoted by red and green stripes) and Catalonia (denoted by red and orange stripes) are located in the northern region of Spain.  In part because of their geographic locations, both nations developed distinct languages, cultures, and social structures, which are markedly different from the rest of Spain.  This inherent difference has fueled century-long struggles for autonomy.  While Catalonia's historically violent quest for independence has finally proved successful through nonviolent cooperation with Spain's central government, the Basque provinces, which greatly value the role of the Catholic church and of the family, have become increasingly violent in their struggle for autonomy.