Catalan Nation. The History and the people. Catalan culture has developed its own unique and universal identity over the centuries. The innovative flair, creativity, capacity to absorb different influences, co-existence and tolerance values has shaped a culture that is both national and cosmopolitan. Traditionally, art and thought trends seep into Catalonia as a result of the country’s geographic location, open to the Mediterranean and European countries, and also due to the leading spirit and attraction created by Barcelona. Catalan arts exemplify this national and universal vocation. Ramon Llull, Ramon Muntaner and Joanot Martorell made valuable contributions to the consolidation of the Catalan language and European medieval literature. Jacint Verdaguer, Victor Catala and Joan Maragall, in different genres, contributed decisively to the cultural Renaissance of the 19th Century. The 20th Century was very prolific in talents that still have an extensive international dissemination: from Salvador Espriu and Josep Pla to Josep Carner, Merce Rodoreda, Manuel de Pedrolo, Pere Calders, Jesus Moncada, Pere Gimferrer, Baltasar Porcel, Quim Monzo, Miquel de Palol and Miquel Marti i Pol