Alaska Facts and Information

Basic Information

Alaska, the 49th state of the U.S., is known for its rugged beauty, remote wilderness, and rich indigenous heritage.

Capital

Juneau

Largest City

Anchorage

Area

663,268 sq mi

Population

733,583 (2020)

Demographics

Alaska has a unique population blend that includes a significant indigenous population and communities spread across vast rural areas.

Ethnic Composition

White:60.2%
Native American/Alaska Native:15.6%
Hispanic:7.3%
Asian:6.5%
African American:3.3%

Languages

English:85.8%
Native Languages:5.2%
Spanish:3.4%

Age Distribution

Under 18:24.3%
18-64:63.2%
65+:12.5%

Population Growth

Annual Rate:-0.2%
Natural Increase:Positive
Migration:Net Outmigration

History

Alaska has a rich history that spans from indigenous cultures to Russian colonization and its eventual statehood in the United States.

Early History

Indigenous Peoples:10,000+ years of habitation
Diverse native cultures including the Inupiat, Yupik, Aleut, Tlingit, and Haida

European Contact

Russian colonization:18th century
Russian-American Company founded in 1799

American Period

Alaska Purchase:1867 from Russia for $7.2 million
Territory status:1912
Statehood:Became 49th state in 1959

Modern Era

Discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay in 1968
Trans-Alaska Pipeline completed in 1977
Focus on conservation and native rights (Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, 1971)

Economy

Alaska's economy is dominated by natural resources, with oil, gas, and fishing being the primary drivers.

GDP

$63 billion

Major Industries

Oil & Gas
Fishing
Mining
Tourism

Employment Rate

Employed:93.1%
Unemployment:6.9%

Major Companies

ConocoPhillips Alaska
BP Exploration (Alaska)
GCI (telecommunications)

Climate

Alaska's climate varies widely from maritime to Arctic, with long winters and short summers.

Southeast (Maritime)

Avg. Summer:60°F
Avg. Winter:30°F
Rainfall:100+ inches/year

Interior (Subarctic)

Avg. Summer:70°F
Avg. Winter:-20°F
Snowfall:60-100 inches/year

North Slope (Arctic)

Avg. Summer:40°F
Avg. Winter:-30°F
Snowfall:30 inches/year

Southcentral (Anchorage)

Avg. Summer:65°F
Avg. Winter:15°F
Snowfall:75 inches/year

Visiting Alaska

Alaska offers a unique travel experience with pristine wilderness, spectacular wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Best Time to Visit

Summer:June to August (long daylight hours)
Winter:December to March (Northern Lights)
Shoulder Seasons:May and September (fewer crowds)

Transportation

Major Airports:Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau
Ferry System:Alaska Marine Highway System
Rail Service:Alaska Railroad connects major towns

Accommodation

Hotels:Available in cities and towns
Lodges:Popular in national parks and remote areas
Average Hotel Rate:$130/night

Tourist Information

Visitor Centers:Located in key towns and parks
Tourism Website:Travel Alaska
Info Hotline:1-800-ALASKA

Education

Alaska's education system includes public, private, and tribal institutions, as well as a strong emphasis on rural education.

Major Public Institutions

University of Alaska System (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Southeast)
Alaska Pacific University

K-12 System

Rural and urban school districts
Special emphasis on distance learning in remote areas

Educational Programs

Alaska Native Language & Culture programs
STEM programs supported by oil industry partnerships

Challenges & Initiatives

Focus on teacher retention in rural districts
Improved broadband access for remote learning

Sports & Teams

While Alaska doesn't have major league teams, it supports a strong sports culture through local events and college athletics.

Popular Sports

Dog mushing
Ice hockey
Cross-country skiing
Fishing derbies

Notable Teams

Alaska Nanooks (University of Alaska Fairbanks)
UAA Seawolves (University of Alaska Anchorage)

Major Sporting Events

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
Iron Dog Snowmobile Race
World Eskimo-Indian Olympics

State Symbols

Alaska's official symbols highlight its natural beauty and indigenous heritage.

State Animals

State Animal:
Moose
State Bird:
Willow Ptarmigan
State Fish:
King Salmon

State Plants

State Flower:
Forget-Me-Not
State Tree:
Sitka Spruce

Cultural Symbols

State Sport:
Dog Mushing

Other Symbols

State Gem:
Jade

State Facts

Fascinating facts that make Alaska unique in the United States.

Geographic Facts

Largest state by area
Has more than 100 volcanoes and volcanic fields
Over 3 million lakes and 12,000 rivers
More coastline than all other U.S. states combined

Records & Rankings

Lowest population density in the U.S.
Coldest recorded temperature in the U.S. (-80°F)
Most earthquakes in the U.S.

Notable Firsts

First state to establish a Permanent Fund Dividend
Home to the first American ascent of Denali (1913)

Unique Features

Experiences midnight sun and polar night
Only state with parts in the Arctic Circle
No counties—uses boroughs and census areas

Government & Politics

Alaska has a unique government structure due to its geography, emphasizing local autonomy and indigenous relations.

Governor

Mike Dunleavy (as of 2024)

Legislature

Bicameral:Alaska State Senate and Alaska House of Representatives

Political Trends

Historically conservative with a strong independent streak

Key Political Issues

Resource Development vs. Environmental Protection
Native Sovereignty & Land Rights
Energy Policy
Rural Infrastructure & Access

Time Zones

Alaska spans one primary time zone with some areas observing different standards.

Standard Time

Alaska Standard Time (AKST, UTC -9)

Daylight Saving

Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT, UTC -8)

Notable Exceptions

Some western Aleutian Islands observe Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone

Infrastructure

Alaska's infrastructure reflects its remote geography and focus on self-sufficiency.

Transportation

Limited highway system
Air travel essential for remote access
Marine transport via Alaska Marine Highway

Energy

Hydroelectric power
Diesel and natural gas in remote villages
Efforts to increase renewable sources

Communications

Satellite and microwave systems
Broadband access improving in rural communities

Notable Historical Figures

Alaska has been home to influential leaders, explorers, and activists who shaped its identity.

Indigenous Leaders

Elizabeth Peratrovich (civil rights activist)
Willie Hensley (Inuit politician and author)

Explorers & Settlers

Vitus Bering (Russian explorer)
Sheldon Jackson (missionary and educator)

Political Figures

Ted Stevens (longtime U.S. Senator)
Sarah Palin (former governor)

State Government Services

Alaska provides public services across vast and diverse regions with a focus on local needs.

Health Services

Medicaid, Tribal Health Programs

Social Services

Alaska Temporary Assistance Program
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance

Emergency Services

Alaska State Troopers
Village Public Safety Officers

Parks & Recreation

Over 120 state park units including historical sites and preserves

Key Historical Documents & Landmarks

Alaska's historical documents and sites reflect its transition from native lands to Russian territory to American statehood.

State Constitution

Adopted in 1956 before statehood

Russian-American Landmarks

Baranov Castle site
Russian Orthodox churches

Archival Repositories

Alaska State Archives in Juneau
University of Alaska Libraries

Environmental Initiatives

Environmental policy in Alaska balances development with preservation.

Conservation Areas

National Wildlife Refuges
State Parks and Preserves

Sustainability Programs

Renewable energy development
Subsistence resource management

Research Efforts

Arctic climate change studies
Wildlife monitoring

Major Events & Conferences

Alaska hosts diverse events celebrating its nature, culture, and industries.

Cultural Events

Iditarod Week
Anchorage Folk Festival
Celebration in Juneau

Industry Conferences

Alaska Federation of Natives Convention
Arctic Encounter Symposium

Outdoor Gatherings

Seward Silver Salmon Derby
Midnight Sun Festival