Carinthias

Carinthias, often called Carinthia in English, is a state (Bundesland) in southern Austria. The name derives from the historic Slavic principality of Carantania, and the modern capital is Klagenfurt am Wörthersee. The state covers about 9,536 square kilometers and is home to roughly 560,000 people. German is the predominant language, with a recognized Slovenian-speaking minority concentrated in the southern and eastern areas.

Geography: Carinthia lies in the Southern Alps and features alpine peaks, valleys, and numerous lakes, including the Wörthersee, Millstätter See, and Ossiacher See. It borders Slovenia to the south and Italy to the southeast, with the Karawanks forming much of the southern border. To the west lie Salzburg, and to the east, Styria. The landscape supports a tourism-based economy, forestry, and hydroelectric power.

History: In antiquity the area was part of the Roman province of Noricum. In the early medieval era it formed the Slavic duchy of Carantania, which later became the Duchy of Carinthia within the Holy Roman Empire. After World War I, Carinthia became a state of the Republic of Austria. The 1920 plebiscite clarified the southern boundary, leaving most of the region in Austria, while some border areas were allocated to neighboring states.

Demographics and culture: The population is predominantly German-speaking. A Slovenian-speaking minority is recognized under Austrian law and exists mainly in border areas, with some bilingual signage in several municipalities.

Economy and tourism: The economy blends tourism, forestry, and small- to medium-sized industry. Winter tourism centers on ski areas such as Nassfeld, while summer draws visitors to lakes around Klagenfurt, especially the Wörthersee. Carinthian culture reflects a mix of Austrian and Slovenian influences.