Alaska

Important Ideas and Facts:

Geography and Climate:

• Alaska is located in the northwestern part of North America and is bordered by Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the south, and the Bering Sea to the west
• Largest state in the U.S., over 570,000 square miles, which is more than twice the size of Texas
• Home to major mountain ranges, including the Alaska Range, which contains Denali, the highest peak in North America at 20,310 feet
• About four-fifths of Alaska is underlain by permafrost, a layer of permanently frozen ground
• Alaska has several climatic zones, ranging from Arctic in the north to temperate in the south
• The southern coastal regions have milder temperatures, with summer averages around 40-60°F (4-16°C) and winter averages around 20-40°F (-7 to 4°C)
• Winters are long and cold, while summers are short and cool. The state is also known for its phenomenon called the “midnight sun,” where the sun doesn’t set for several weeks during the summer in northern regions

Demographics:

• Ranks 48th in terms of population among the U.S. states, with an estimated population of around 733,536 people as of 2024
• The state is predominantly White (61.6%), with significant Native American (15.6%), Asian (6.8%), and Black (3.7%) populations. There is also a notable percentage of people identifying as Two or More Races (10.2%)

History:

• The first people migrated to Alaska around 15,000 years ago during the Ice Age, crossing the Bering land bridge from Asia. These early settlers eventually split into different groups, with some staying in Alaska and others moving further into North and South America
• The first European contact was made by Russian explorers in the mid-1700s. The Russian-American Company established settlements, including the first permanent settlement at Three Saints Bay in 1784
• In 1867, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million
• Alaska became a U.S. territory in 1912 and was granted statehood on January 3, 1959

Economy:

• The petroleum industry is the backbone of Alaska’s economy.
• Alaska is a leading seafood producer
• The state’s stunning natural beauty attracts tourists from around the world, supporting local businesses and creating jobs in the hospitality and service sectors
• Alaska is one of only a few states in the U.S. that does not have a state income tax
• One unique aspect of Alaska’s tax system is the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). This is an annual dividend paid to residents from the earnings of the Alaska Permanent Fund, which is funded by oil revenues. The amount varies each year based on the fund’s performance

Culture:

• Alaskans have a deep connection to the outdoors, enjoying activities like hiking, fishing, hunting, and kayaking
• Many Native Alaskans maintain a subsistence lifestyle, relying on hunting, fishing, and gathering to sustain their communities and preserve their cultural heritage.
• Despite the vast distances between communities, there is a strong sense of camaraderie and support among Alaskans.

Alaska’s spirit embodies resilience, independence, and a deep connection to its breathtaking natural landscapes, thriving on the strength and camaraderie of its diverse and resourceful communities.