Carinthia (Slovenia)

Carinthia (Slovenian Koroška) is an informal province in the north of Slovenia. It consists of the towns of Dravograd, Slovenj Gradec, Ravne, Črna, Mežica, Prevalje, Mislinja, Muta and Radlje.

Carinthia was historically part of Austria-Hungary and populated by a significant number of Slovenians. The Carinthian Plebiscite on October 20, 1920, determined the lines of division between Austria and the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. After the Plebiscite, Carinthia fell into two parts separated by in a way quite artificial border. The border was quite impermeable until the recent fall of Berlin wall and somehow coincident downfall of Yugoslavia.

Since June 25, 1991 Carinthia has been a part of Slovenia.

History

Carinthia was settled by Slovenians around the 6th century. It was the central part of the Karantania, the first state of Slovenians. Karantania lost autonomy in the early 9th century when it fell under Frankish power. Carinthia was later controlled by Austrian Habsburgs (1335 - 1918). After the Carinthian plebiscite following the [World War I], the region was divided in two parts of which the larger belonged to Austria and the smaller to the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenians.

See also: Karantania, Carinthia, Austrian Carinthia.

--Ajgorhoe 04:40, 25 Feb 2004 (UTC)