The Catalan language is a Romance language spoken primarily in Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain. It is also used in Valencia, where it is known as Valencian, and in the Balearic Islands. Catalan has around 10 million speakers and is recognized as an official language in these areas, as well as in Andorra, where it is the sole official language. Catalan shares similarities with Spanish and French, but it has its own distinct grammar and vocabulary. The language has a rich literary tradition, with notable authors such as Mercè Rodoreda and Joaquim Ruyra. Catalan is also an important part of the cultural identity of its speakers.