The basis of the Carinthian population are the Bavarians, but Slaves and Celto-romans have also left their traces. Before the Bavarians came to Carinthia, Slavic tribes had settled here - many town names still prove this fact.

In the area south of the river Drau a Slovenian minority is found. In the State Treaty of 1955 the Slovenes gained a number of rights, among them bilingual education and bilingual roadsigns. Outside the family Slovenic is rarely heard, yet other features, like traditional costumes, customs and songs keep the culture alive.