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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 United States, is a land of breathtaking natural beauty and rugged wilderness. Known for its vast, pristine landscapes, Alaska boasts towering mountain ranges, massive glaciers, and a stunning coastline along the Pacific Ocean. It is home to diverse wildlife, including bears, moose, and bald eagles, and offers unique outdoor recreational opportunities, such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The state's native cultures and history are deeply rooted in its identity, and its economy is driven by industries like oil, seafood, and tourism. Alaska's extreme climate and remote locations make it a place of both challenges and wonders, drawing adventurers and nature enthusiasts from around the world to experience its untamed wilderness and stunning landscapes.

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 kmĀ²), 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 renowned for its breathtaking and diverse geography. Situated in the far north of North America, Alaska boasts a stunning landscape characterized by vast expanses of rugged wilderness. It is home to towering mountain ranges, including the iconic Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), North America's tallest peak, and countless glaciers that carve their way through the terrain. Alaska's coastline stretches for thousands of miles, featuring fjords, bays, and numerous islands. The state also encompasses vast tundra regions, boreal forests, and pristine lakes and rivers. Its extreme northern location means that parts of Alaska experience the phenomenon of the midnight sun during the summer and the polar night during the winter, adding to the unique geographical features and challenges of this remarkable state.

Alaska Economy

The economy of Alaska is characterized by its unique dependence on natural resources, particularly oil, natural gas, and fisheries. The state's vast oil reserves in the North Slope have historically been a primary driver of its economy, with oil production and revenue playing a significant role in funding government services and providing Alaskan residents with an annual dividend. Additionally, the fishing industry, including commercial fishing and seafood processing, is a critical economic sector, contributing substantially to the state's employment and exports. Tourism also plays a growing role, with visitors attracted to Alaska's stunning landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. However, the state's economy faces challenges related to its remote location, limited infrastructure, and susceptibility to fluctuations in global commodity prices, making economic diversification and sustainability ongoing priorities for Alaskan policymakers.

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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