President Artur Mas, of the autonomous Spanish region of Catalonia, has signed a referendum on independence that will be open for voting on Nov. 9, BBC reported.

In a move similar to the Scottish independence vote, Catalonia is demanding independence from Spain -- citing many reasons including economy and culture.

Despite being a part of the country, Catalans speak a different language, have a different culture, and boast a stronger economy than the rest of the country.

Catalonia, which includes the popular city of Barcelona, is one of Spain's richest and most highly industrialized regions, and also one of the most independent-minded, BBC reported.

The Catalans in favor of independence cited the economy as one of the key reasons for wanting independence, since they currently bear the burden of the country with the draw of being a global fair and expo hub, and are supporting the country with the higher proportion of taxes generated in the region.

On Sept. 19 the region's lawmakers voted 106-28 in favor of the referendum, or "consultation".

But, similar to the U.K.-Scotland independence riff, Spain is trying to block the region from leaving the country.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said the Spanish government, in Madrid, believes the Nov. 9 vote would be illegal, though Mas said local laws will uphold the vote.

Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz said, "This referendum will not be held because it is unconstitutional.

Rajoy is expected to take action at a special cabinet meeting early next week, and has already stated a desire to take the dispute to the country's Constitutional Court.

"Catalonia wants to speak," Mas said after signing the referendum on Saturday. "Wants to be heard. Wants to vote. Now is the right time and we have the right legal framework to do so."

The two questions, BBC reported, that will appear on the ballot on Nov. 9 are "Do you want Catalonia to be a state?" and "If so, do you want Catalonia to be an independent state?"

The autonomous region already has its own president and Parliament.