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Alaska

State Motto

North to the Future

State Motto of Alaska

Alaska State Information

Alaska is the 49th State in the Union

Alaska, the largest and northernmost state in the U.S., is a land of breathtaking natural beauty and rugged wilderness. Known for its vast, untouched landscapes, Alaska is home to towering mountains, massive glaciers, and a stunning coastline along the Pacific Ocean. The state boasts diverse wildlife, including bears, moose, and bald eagles, and offers a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

The native cultures and history of Alaska are an integral part of the state’s identity. Its economy is largely driven by industries such as oil, seafood, and tourism. Alaska’s extreme climate and remote locations present both challenges and awe-inspiring wonders, attracting adventurers and nature lovers from all over the world to explore its untamed wilderness and stunning scenery.

What's in a name?

Derived from the Aleut word 'alaxsxaq,' meaning 'the mainland' or 'great land.'

State Nickname of Alaska

Alaska Geography

Map of the State of Alaska

Download maps of Alaska

Area: 665,384 sq mi (1,723,345 km²), 1st
Highest Point: Denali; 20,310 ft (1,887 m), 1st
Lowest Point: Gulf of Alaska; Sea Level, 0 ft (0 m)
Bordering States: None
Area Codes: Area Codes of Alaska
Zip Codes: Zip Codes of Alaska

Alaska, the largest state in the United States, is famous for its stunning and varied geography. Located in the far north of North America, the state is home to vast, rugged wilderness. Alaska features towering mountain ranges, including Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley), which is North America's tallest peak, as well as countless glaciers that shape the landscape. The state’s coastline stretches for thousands of miles, with fjords, bays, and numerous islands adding to its beauty.

Alaska also includes expansive tundra regions, dense boreal forests, and pristine lakes and rivers. Due to its extreme northern location, some parts of the state experience the unique phenomenon of the midnight sun in the summer and the polar night in the winter, making Alaska's geography both fascinating and challenging.

Alaska Economy

Alaska's economy is heavily dependent on its natural resources, particularly oil, natural gas, and fisheries. The state's vast oil reserves in the North Slope have been a major driver of its economy, with oil production generating significant revenue that helps fund government services and provides residents with an annual dividend.

The fishing industry is another vital sector, including commercial fishing and seafood processing, which plays a key role in the state's employment and exports. Tourism is also growing, as visitors come to experience Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities. However, the state faces challenges due to its remote location, limited infrastructure, and vulnerability to fluctuations in global commodity prices. As a result, diversifying and sustaining its economy remains an ongoing focus for policymakers in Alaska.

Agriculture

Top 3 crops / livestock for Alaska

  • Barley
  • Hay
  • Potatoes

Industry

Top 3 industries for Alaska

  • Oil and Gas
  • Seafood Processing
  • Tourism

Alaska State Symbols

State Flag

State Flag of Alaska

State Seal

State Seal of Alaska

State Quarter

State Quarter of Alaska

State Bird

State Bird of AlaskaWillow Ptarmigan

State Flower

State Flower of AlaskaForget-Me-Not

State Tree

State Tree of AlaskaSitka Spruce

State Mammal

State Mammal of AlaskaMoose

State Fish

State Fish of AlaskaKing Salmon
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