Carniola (Ger. Krain), a south-west crownland of the Austrian empire, has an area of 3856 sq. m., and a pop. (1890) of 498,958, of whom 30,000 are Germans and 16,000 Croats, the rest being Slavs of the Slovenian branch. It is traversed in the north by a continuation of the Carinthian Alps, and in the south by the Julian Alps, the loftiest summit being the Terglou (9393 feet), between the two sources of the Save, which is the principal river. The scenery of the country abounds in interesting and singular features, amongst which are Lake Zirknitz (q.v.), the Adelsberg Grotto (q.v.), and the rock-bridge of St Kanzian, 131 feet high, and 164 feet broad, with a perfect arch 65 feet high. The climate is in general mild, except in the high mountainous parts. The country does not produce corn or cattle enough to supply the wants of its inhabitants, and buckwheat, millet, pulse, and wild-fruits are principal articles of food of many. Some districts yield excellent wines and much fine fruit. Flax, silk, maize, and honey are produced. The chief minerals are iron, quicksilver, and brown coal; the quicksilver mines of Idria are, next to Almaden, the most important in Europe. Linen-weaving and the manufacture of a coarse lace are practised. Laibach is the capital. Carniola received its present name (from the Slav krai, 'frontier') after the settlement here of the Slovenians. From 972 it had margraves of its own; but in 1245 and 1364 it passed to the
Dukes of Austria. See three historical works by Dimitz (6 vols. Laibach, 1874-86).