In the rich Spanish region of Catalonia, an overwhelming 94 percent of voters called for full independence for the autonomous region in an informal referendum.

Turnout, however, was low at just 30 percent for the symbolic referendum and only 10 percent of Catalonians were called to vote in 166 selected towns.

Although the referendum is not recognised by Madrid, its organisers hope it will put independence higher up the political agenda.

Catalonia has its own language and culture. It already has far-reaching autonomous powers, but nationalists want full independence.

Photo: Catalonian referendum - Flickr tgruaros