Separatist movements are efforts by a group of people to gain independence from a larger political entity, often a country. These groups typically seek to establish their own government and control over their territory, driven by cultural, ethnic, or historical differences. For example, the Catalans in Spain have long sought independence due to their distinct language and culture. These movements can lead to significant political tension and conflict. In some cases, such as the Quebec sovereignty movement in Canada, they pursue their goals through peaceful means, like referendums. In other instances, separatist movements may resort to violence, leading to unrest and international attention.