According to babyinger, Alaska is the largest state in the United States, covering an area of 663,268 square miles. It is situated at the extreme northwestern corner of North America and is bordered by Canada to the east and Russia to the west. Despite its large size, Alaska’s population is relatively small, with just over 730,000 people as of 2019.
Alaska has a diverse geography that includes several mountain ranges, glaciers, rivers and lakes, tundra plains and boreal forests. The highest peak in Alaska is Denali (also known as Mount McKinley), which stands at 20,310 feet tall. The state also contains 17 of the 20 highest peaks in all of North America. Glaciers are abundant throughout Alaska’s mountain ranges; one of them – Malaspina Glacier – covers an area larger than Rhode Island.
The longest river in Alaska is the Yukon River which runs from Canada to Nome on Alaska’s western coast. Other major rivers include Kuskokwim River, Copper River and Tanana River. The state also contains numerous large lakes including Lake Iliamna and Lake Clark which are both located in southwest Alaska; Lake Clark National Park was established around these two lakes to protect their natural beauty.
Alaska has a variety of climates ranging from arctic conditions along its northern coast to subarctic temperatures further south near Anchorage, where most Alaskans live. Winters are very cold throughout most parts of Alaska with temperatures dropping well below freezing for extended periods of time while summers tend to be short but mild throughout much of the state.
Alaska also has a number of unique wildlife species that can only be found here including bald eagles, grizzly bears and caribou among others; many species inhabit national parks such as Denali National Park or Kenai Fjords National Park which offer visitors breathtaking views of some of nature’s most magnificent creatures.
Despite its remote location and challenging climate conditions, Alaska has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists over recent years due to its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife opportunities; it also offers great fishing opportunities for those looking for some outdoor adventure during their vacations.
Administrative Regions in Alaska
According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, Alaska is divided into boroughs and census areas for administrative purposes. The state is divided into 19 boroughs and one Unorganized Borough, which encompasses the area of the state not in any of the other boroughs. Each borough is further divided into Census Areas, with a total of 29 Census Areas in all.
The largest and most populous borough in Alaska is Anchorage, which covers an area of 7,937 square miles and has a population of 291,826 as of 2019. This borough includes the cities of Anchorage, Girdwood and Eagle River among others. Other major cities include Fairbanks to the north and Juneau to the southeast.
North Slope Borough is located on Alaska’s Arctic Coast and covers an area of 88,695 square miles; this makes it both the largest borough in Alaska by area as well as one of the least populous with only 9,430 inhabitants as of 2019. The city of Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow) is located here along with several Inupiat villages such as Point Lay and Wainwright.
Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area lies to the east of North Slope Borough and covers an area of 92,538 square miles; it is also one of the least populated areas in Alaska with only 5,588 inhabitants as per 2019 estimates. This region encompasses some remote villages such as Allakaket (population: 431) along with several large lakes including Lake Minchumina.
Bristol Bay Borough lies to the southwest from North Slope Borough and covers an area of 8,884 square miles; it has a population of just over 5 thousand people spread across its various settlements such as Dillingham (population: 2,400) or Naknek (population: 800). This region consists mostly out wetlands which are home to numerous species such as salmon or moose among others; it also contains several rivers including Kvichak River or Nushagak River which are popular destinations for anglers looking for some outdoor adventure.
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough lies just north from Anchorage and covers an area 15,258 square miles making it both one largest boroughs in Alaska by area but also one most densely populated; its population was estimated at 109 thousand people during 2019 census. Major towns include Palmer (population: 6500), Wasilla (population: 9000) or Big Lake (population: 1000). This region contains some spectacular glaciers such as Colony Glacier or Matanuska Glacier among others; these offer visitors unique opportunities for exploration.
Demographics of Alaska
Alaska is the largest state in the United States, covering an area of 663,268 square miles. It is also the least densely populated state, with an estimated population of 731,545 as of 2020. The population is spread out over a large geographic area; however, most of the population is concentrated in urban areas such as Anchorage and Fairbanks.
The majority of Alaska’s population identifies as White (70%), with Indigenous Alaskan tribes comprising 15% and Hispanic or Latino populations making up 8%. Other ethnic groups include Asian (4%), African American (3%), and mixed race (2%).
In terms of age distribution, Alaska has a higher median age than the national average at 34.7 years old compared to 38.1 years old for the U.S. overall. The majority of residents are between 25-44 years old (38%), followed by those aged 45-64 (26%). Youth aged 18-24 make up 15% of Alaska’s population while seniors aged 65+ make up 21%.
Education levels in Alaska are slightly lower than averages across the U.S., with only 86% having completed high school versus 90% nationally. In terms of college attainment, 24% obtain a Bachelor’s Degree or higher compared to 30% across the country.
The median household income in Alaska is $77,951 per year which is significantly higher than the national average at $61,937 per year due to its dependence on oil revenues and other natural resources industries in addition to its tourism industry. However, there are still significant disparities between rural and urban areas; for example, households in rural areas have a median income that is nearly half that of households located in urban areas ($52,723 versus $93,876 respectively).
Transportation in Alaska
Alaska is a large and diverse state with a wide variety of transportation options available. Public transit is available in many cities, including Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka. There are bus systems in all the major cities that offer regular service to get around town or to nearby attractions. For those who prefer to travel by air, Alaska Airlines offers regular flights between Anchorage and Fairbanks as well as other cities in Alaska. Additionally, there are numerous airports throughout the state for those looking to fly into different areas.
For those who prefer to drive their own vehicle, there are several highways and roads that connect the various parts of Alaska. The most popular highway is the Alaska Highway which runs from Dawson Creek in British Columbia to Delta Junction in Alaska. Additionally, there are several scenic byways such as the Denali Highway which runs from Cantwell to Paxson and offers breathtaking views of Denali National Park and Preserve. Other roadways such as George Parks Highway help travelers get around the state quickly while still enjoying some of the beautiful scenery along the way.
For travelers who want a unique experience, they can take a boat or ferry ride through some of Alaska’s many waterways. The Alaska Marine Highway System connects over thirty ports throughout Alaska with regular ferry service allowing passengers to explore some of its most remote areas by sea. Additionally, some cruise lines offer trips up and down the Inside Passage for those interested in experiencing more coastal areas of this incredible state.