Alaska

Alaska
Name	Alaska
Motto	"North to the Future"
Anthem	"Alaska's Flag"
Capital	Juneau
Largest city	Anchorage
Admission date	January 3, 1959 (49th)
Governor	Mike Dunleavy
Lt governor	Nancy Dahlstrom
Legislature	Alaska Legislature
U s senators	Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan
Height	20,310 ft (6,190.5 m) (Denali)
Low point	Sea level
Population rank	48th
Pop 2020	733,391
Total area rank	1st
Total area	665,384 sq mi (1,723,337 km²)
Land area	570,641 sq mi (1,477,953 km²)
Water area	94,743 sq mi (245,383 km²) 13.77%
Latd	64
Latm	04
Longd	152
Longm	16
Time zone	Alaska (UTC−9/−8)
Website	alaska.gov

Alaska is a non-contiguous U.S. state situated in the extreme northwest of North America. It is the largest state by area, featuring a vast and diverse landscape that includes rugged coastlines, massive mountain ranges, and expansive tundra. Its history spans from its original inhabitants to Russian colonization and its subsequent purchase by the United States in 1867, culminating in statehood in 1959. The state's economy is heavily influenced by natural resources, including oil, fishing, and tourism, while its culture reflects a unique blend of Indigenous, Russian, and American frontier traditions.

Geography

Alaska's immense territory is marked by dramatic physical features, including the towering Alaska Range, home to the continent's highest peak, Denali. The state's extensive coastline is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, the Bering Sea, and the Arctic Ocean, and is deeply indented by fjords such as those in Kenai Fjords National Park. Major island groups include the Aleutian Islands and the Alexander Archipelago, while significant waterways like the Yukon River and the Copper River drain the interior. The climate varies from a temperate maritime rainforest in the panhandle to a harsh subarctic and polar environment in the North Slope.

History

Human habitation began with the migration of Paleo-Eskimo peoples across the Bering land bridge. By the time of European contact, diverse groups such as the Iñupiat, Yup'ik, Tlingit, and Haida had established complex societies. The first European arrival is credited to the Russian expedition under Vitus Bering in 1741, leading to the establishment of Russian America and a lucrative sea otter fur trade. After the Crimean War, Russia sold the territory to the United States in the Alaska Purchase, negotiated by William H. Seward. The subsequent Klondike Gold Rush and discoveries in Nome and Fairbanks spurred American settlement. Strategic importance was cemented during World War II, notably with the Aleutian Islands campaign, and it achieved statehood under President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Demographics

With a population of just over 730,000, it is the third-least populous state, characterized by low density and a highly urbanized distribution, with over half residing in the Anchorage metropolitan area. It has the highest percentage of Alaska Native residents of any state, comprising groups such as the Athabascan, Iñupiat, and Tlingit. Other significant racial groups include non-Hispanic Whites and a growing Asian American community. Major population centers are Anchorage, Fairbanks, the capital Juneau, and Sitka, while vast regions, like the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta, are populated primarily by Indigenous communities.

Economy

The economy is dominated by the extraction and production of natural resources. The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, originating at Prudhoe Bay, transports crude oil and is a cornerstone of state revenue, managed by the Alaska Permanent Fund. Commercial fishing is a major industry, with harvests of salmon, pollock, and king crab centered in ports like Dutch Harbor. Tourism attracts visitors to destinations such as Denali National Park, Glacier Bay, and the Inside Passage. Other sectors include mining for zinc, gold, and coal, as well as a small but vital agricultural sector and growing renewable energy projects.

Government and politics

The state government operates under the Alaska Constitution, with an executive branch led by the Governor of Alaska and a bicameral Alaska Legislature meeting in Juneau. It has a unique judicial system, including the Alaska Supreme Court. In national politics, it is generally considered a Republican stronghold, having supported GOP presidential candidates for decades; its congressional delegation has included figures like Ted Stevens and currently includes Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan. Notable political issues often revolve around resource development, land claims, and the management of the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend.

Culture

The cultural landscape is defined by the rich heritage of its Alaska Native peoples, expressed through events like the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics and artistic traditions such as Tlingit totem pole carving and Iñupiat ivory carving. The legacy of Russian America is visible in Russian Orthodox churches, like St. Michael's Cathedral in Sitka, and place names. Contemporary culture celebrates the frontier spirit through events like the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and the Fairbanks Winter Carnival. The state has also produced notable figures in literature, such as John Haines, and in music, including folk singer Jewel.

Category:Alaska Category:States of the United States Category:Non-contiguous U.S. states