Alaska is admitted as the 49th U.S. state.
Alaska, pronounced as /əˈlæskəə (listen), is a prominent state situated in the Western United States, marking the extreme northwest frontier of North America. This vast and unique region is often described as a semi-exclave of the U.S., meaning it is a part of the country that is geographically separated from the main body of the U.S. by foreign territory.
Its strategic location defines its borders:
- To the east, Alaska shares extensive land borders with Canada, specifically with the province of British Columbia and the territory of Yukon.
- To the west, it maintains a maritime boundary with the Russian Federation's Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, famously separated by the narrow expanse of the Bering Strait. At its closest point, the distance between the two sovereign nations across the strait is merely about 55 miles (88 kilometers), famously featuring the U.S. territory of Little Diomede Island and Russia's Big Diomede Island, located only 2.4 miles apart.
- The northern reaches of Alaska are defined by the frigid waters of the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas, both part of the immense Arctic Ocean.
- To the south and southwest, the state is bordered by the vast Pacific Ocean, which profoundly influences its climate and ecosystems.
The state's name itself reflects its rich indigenous heritage, known by various names such as Alax̂sxax̂ in Aleut, Alaasikaq in Iñupiaq, Alas'kaaq in Alutiiq, Alaskaq in Yup'ik, and Anáaski in Tlingit.
Unparalleled Scale: Alaska's Immense Size and Unique Demographics
Alaska holds the distinction of being, by far, the largest U.S. state by total area, encompassing a landmass so vast it exceeds the combined areas of the next three largest states: Texas, California, and Montana. This makes Alaska truly exceptional, ranking as the seventh-largest subnational division globally. For context, Alaska's land area alone is larger than the combined land area of Germany, France, and Spain. Its total area is approximately 665,384 square miles (1,723,337 square kilometers).
Despite its colossal size, Alaska remains one of the least populous U.S. states and is, consequently, the most sparsely populated. This low population density is largely due to its rugged terrain, vast wilderness areas, and challenging climate. However, it stands out as by far the most populous territory on the North American continent situated predominantly north of the 60th parallel. As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Alaska's population was 736,081, a figure that is more than quadruple the combined populations of all of Northern Canada and Greenland.
- Where do most Alaskans live?
- Approximately half of Alaska's residents reside within the Anchorage metropolitan area, making it the state's largest city and economic hub.
- What are Alaska's largest cities by area?
- The state capital, Juneau, is remarkably the second-largest city by area in the entire United States. Its municipal boundaries encompass more territory than the states of Rhode Island and Delaware combined, owing to its consolidated city-borough structure. Even larger is Sitka, Alaska's former capital, which holds the title of the largest U.S. city by area. These expansive municipal boundaries are a unique characteristic reflecting Alaska's vast wilderness and the integration of large tracts of land into city limits.
A Rich History: From Indigenous Roots to U.S. Statehood
The history of Alaska is deeply rooted in the thousands of years it was inhabited by diverse indigenous peoples before any European arrival. It is widely theorized that this region served as the crucial entry point for the initial settlement of North America. During glacial periods, the Bering Land Bridge (or Beringia) connected what is now Siberia and Alaska, allowing early human populations to migrate into the Americas.
European Discovery and Russian America
The first Europeans to explore and settle parts of Alaska were the Russians, beginning in the 18th century. Vitus Bering, a Danish navigator in the service of the Russian Navy, is credited with exploring the Bering Strait and the Alaskan coast in 1741. Over time, Russia established a significant presence, creating what was known as Russian America, which encompassed the vast majority of the current state's territory. This era saw the establishment of fur trading posts and the expansion of Russian Orthodox missions.
The Alaska Purchase: "Seward's Folly"
Maintaining such a distant and challenging possession proved increasingly expensive and difficult for the Russian Empire, particularly after its defeat in the Crimean War. This financial burden, coupled with the threat of British encroachment, prompted Russia to offer Alaska for sale to the United States. On March 30, 1867, U.S. Secretary of State William Seward orchestrated the purchase of Alaska for US$7.2 million. This acquisition, initially derided by some as "Seward's Folly" or "Seward's Icebox," amounted to approximately two cents per acre ($4.74 per square kilometer) – a staggering bargain in hindsight. In 2020 dollars, this sum is equivalent to about $133 million, highlighting the immense value gained.
Path to Statehood
Following the purchase, Alaska underwent several administrative changes, evolving from a military district to a civil district. On May 11, 1912, it was officially organized as an incorporated U.S. territory, granting it greater self-governance. Finally, after decades of advocacy and development, Alaska was formally admitted as the 49th state of the United States on January 3, 1959, marking a pivotal moment in its modern history and solidifying its place within the American Union.
Alaska's Dynamic Economy and Vast Federal Lands
Despite having one of the smallest overall state economies in the United States, Alaska boasts one of the nation's highest per capita incomes. This unique economic profile is largely attributed to a relatively small population benefiting from abundant natural resource wealth and strategic investments.
Key Economic Drivers:
- Natural Resources: The economy is predominantly driven by its vast reserves of natural gas and oil. The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), a marvel of engineering completed in 1977, transports crude oil from the North Slope to the port of Valdez, playing a crucial role in both the state and national energy supply. Fishing is another cornerstone, with Alaska being a global leader in sustainable seafood, particularly salmon, pollock, and crab.
- Military Presence: United States armed forces bases, including Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Fort Wainwright, represent a significant portion of the state's economic activity, providing employment and essential infrastructure.
- Tourism: Leveraging its stunning natural beauty and unique wildlife, tourism is a growing sector. Visitors are drawn to its national parks, glaciers, and opportunities for adventure travel.
A distinctive feature of Alaska is the extensive amount of federally owned public land, which accounts for more than half of the state's total area. These lands are managed for various purposes, including conservation, recreation, and resource extraction, and encompass:
- A multitude of National Forests, such as the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the U.S. by area.
- Iconic National Parks and Preserves like Denali National Park and Preserve (home to North America's highest peak, Denali), Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, and Kenai Fjords National Park.
- Numerous National Wildlife Refuges, vital for protecting diverse ecosystems and wildlife, including significant bird populations and marine mammals.
- Does Alaska have a Permanent Fund Dividend?
- Yes, Alaska is unique among U.S. states for its Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). Established in 1976, a portion of the state's mineral revenue is invested into a permanent fund, and a dividend is paid annually to eligible Alaskan residents from the fund's earnings. This program directly distributes wealth from the state's natural resources to its citizens.
Alaska Native Cultures: A Deeply Rooted Heritage
Alaska stands out for having the highest proportion of indigenous population among all U.S. states, with over 15 percent of its residents identifying as Alaska Native. This vibrant heritage encompasses a rich tapestry of cultures, including the Inupiaq, Yup'ik, Aleut, Athabascan, Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples, among many others.
Linguistic diversity is a hallmark of Alaska Native communities, with close to two dozen distinct native languages spoken across the state. Significant efforts are underway to preserve and revitalize these languages, which are crucial carriers of cultural knowledge and identity.
Alaskan Natives exercise considerable influence in both local and state politics, reflecting their deep historical connection to the land and their strong community structures. The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971 created twelve regional and over 200 village corporations. These corporations manage land and financial assets on behalf of their shareholders, playing a substantial role in Alaska's economy and advocating for Native rights and interests, ensuring that indigenous voices are powerfully represented in the state's future.