German Kärnten
State (pop., 2001: 559,404), southern Austria.
Bordered by Italy and Slovenia, it occupies an area of 3,681 sq mi (9,533 sq km) and has its capital at Klagenfurt. Originally inhabited by Celts, it became part of the Roman province of Noricum . Made a separate duchy in 976, it came under the Habsburg s in 1335, and became an Austrian crown land in 1849. In 1918 parts were claimed by Yugoslavia and Italy. Yugoslavia's possession of the southern part was confirmed in 1920, but the Klagenfurt area was retained by Austria.